The New Normal

 

I was running. It was a long, bleak, dimly lit corridor. I could hear disturbed, desperate, heavy breaths from the walls along my side. At the far end there was a red neon light blinking. Below it was written, EMERGENCY. I ran faster.

I have been dreaming a lot lately. Alarms of different frequencies wake me up during odd ( also even ) hours. Shifting between blue and white coveralls I have my “brunches”. Unattended calls, piles of unread mail and sleepy eyes welcome me at the doors. I have started feeling suffocation seeing hundreds of death rattle on a daily basis. My caffeine tastes alcohol, my nose breathes antiseptics, and my hands are stained from mercury. It’s been days or weeks or months. I lost track of time. The only count I keep is of the death toll. 

On my first day I brought only essentials for one week. I kept a note on whom I have to call back once I reach Home. By the end of the first month I brought all my favourite pants. I am wearing one of them. I have five favourite pants! I used to fantasize about a seven-hour sleep and a good breakfast. Now I fantasize about Air, maybe!

 Will I ever go back ? I guess I don’t want to. I will feel naked without my coverall and mask. I am acquainted with this now. 

“Doc, there is an emergency in 129!”

OH! I have been washing my face for too long. Masking my dry mouth I stepped out to the long, bleak, dimly lit corridor. I could hear disturbed, desperate, heavy breaths from the walls along my side. At the far end there was a red neon light blinking. Below it was written, EMERGENCY. 

I plugged in earbuds. Hit my frequent playlist, “The New Normal”.