Livin’ La Vida Pandemic

or How I Turned Into My Parents

I talked with my dad last night on the phone…

Dad
How’s it going?

Steve
Good.

Dad
Everyone alright?

Steve
Yeah, y’know. I think my New Years resolution will be to spend less time with my family.

Dad
What? No, don’t say that. You need to cherish this time.

Steve
I’m kidding, Pop.

Dad
Good because-

Steve
But not entirely. I see these people everyday. ALL day. They’re always here. Maybe they go upstairs. Or downstairs. Or in their room. I only have to whisper their name and they suddenly appear. Like gremilins. They play the same songs on Alexa over and over and over. Or they’re on their iPads and it’s everything I can do not to throw those things out the window but I can’t do that… to ME. Because without those screens they’ll crush whatever spirit I have left even more. They’ll crush it to dust. I’ve talked about my favorite fruits and vegetables at lunch time. I can’t do it…