I'll be back.
— A Cold Front
The year was 2020. I know you know. Do I need to say it?
One day, I heard a news report on the radio about people getting sick, in China. Then came news reports of people getting sick in Europe. Then here.
When The Shady Lady Exchange closed, they said it was only temporary.
"We'll all be back," Lorraine said, but I knew I wouldn't be joining them. I'd already been taking fewer shifts, because I had my own source of income.
I was my own source of income.
I had a new name, too, thanks to Paula and a truly gruesome photo.
When COVID lockdowns kicked in, one of my neighbors hung a sign in their window.
It said:
"Dear World,
I have not forgotten you. I'll be back."
And I thought...
Dear World,
I'll be back too, but next time as Shayna.
Just you wait.
You'll never see me coming.
"I'm a ghost."