Today I was a bit shocked.
Not about our empty streets in Berlin, the empty stores or the empty tube (nice, even as an older person you get a seat without having to fight about it with a 14 year old...).
Outside you see: old people, men with dogs and parents (one) with a pram.
I came back - feeling like a "Hero for just one of Day," - yep, I still walk out in the sunshine, think that it will give my immune system a boost, as my humour will - though that is on the downward scale by now:
I saw a neighbour from above standing in front of our house. Two days ago he had asked me whether I would translate a letter for him from Netherland to German - yes: I am able to do that now! - and of course I said that I will do that, for free.
Now he told me that it is not longer necessary: their vacation in Mailand is canceled, and their money will be refunded. (Why the letter is in Netherlands I do not know).
Fine.
Then we went inside, to our little elevator.
He said - and hurried two steps up - : "We should keep distance.
I go up first!"
Jumped in and I stared at the closed door, and the elevator. Moving up.
I, I, I, - or: Me, Me, Me .
I don't expect - even not from an elderly academic as him - courtesy any more. Women want to be equal - in all aspects - So what?!
But no - not true: I expect it still.
Especially from an elderly neighbour whom I granted a favour.
So I mused a bit about how PEOPLE might act if life becomes even more dangerous than now.
Mused about my flight to Amsterdam on Saturday, (a big birthday), and a visitor coming by train tomorrow. (He is young, I am not).
Then I thought: "
What the heck!" - I don't want to sit in isolation (a little voice in my head squeaked: "
You might sit there earlier than you think!" and I said: "
Shut up!")
I hope it will.
As I opened my bag to get out my keys a very shiny copper cent fell out. A promise for good luck.
I might need it.