Covid-19 short story : Window- Nursing Home

August 1. *** Window - nursing home 

   Written in English and Chinese 

   I woke up on Tuesday.  It was my turn to visit the nursing home where my mother lived.   Although  it was raining cats and dogs, I must be there on time.  

   Under the pandemic, we were not allowed to go inside.  The nursing home was considerate and arranged us to meet.  I could stand outside a window and my mom stays inside. 

   Because of the rain, I arrived about two minutes late.  My mother was already standing inside.  I felt so bad.   I quickly ran to the window and apologized for being late even though she might not hear me.  I put my hand on the window.  She did the same.    

   I could tell she was thinner.  I expected it because the nursing home told me she did not eat much lately.

   I opened my mouth and raised my hand  to signal scraping food into my mouth.  She seemed to understand me. She nodded her head with tears flowing on her face.  She must miss the food I used to bring to her.  

******

窗户-疗养院

  星期二到了。 今天该轮到我去探母亲住的养老院了。 尽管正在下大雨，但我必须准时到那里。

   在大疫情流行之下，雖然被禁止进入养老院，养老院很体贴，安排我们见面，我可以站在窗户外面，妈妈站在里面。

   由于下雨，我迟到了约两分钟。妈妈已经站在里面了。 我好难受 ，我迅速跑到窗前，为迟到道歉。 她可能听不到我的声音。 我把手放在窗户上，她也一样。 我可得看出她瘦了。 养老院已經告诉我，她近期没有胃口吃太多东西。

   我张开嘴，举起手示意要把食物刮进嘴里。 她似乎了解我。 她慢慢點頭但脸上不停流着泪水。 我知道她一定懷念我过去带给她的食物。

   我用两个手指在窗户上写下“爱”一词。 她没说什么，只是点头和哭泣。

   我也忍不住哭了。 突然有人轻拍我的肩膀向我指示，我的时间结束了。 我转过身，看见己有人排隊。

    我向妈妈挥手道别。 然后，我在雨中走开，没有打开伞。