I'll be back.
— A Cold Front
At the end of 2019, I was still looking for a partner, but by early 2020 I had to take a break. I know you know why.
One day, there was a news report on TV about people getting sick in China. Then came reports from Europe. Then Seattle and New York.
Then here.
Then came the lockdowns.
By April 2020, half the world was under some form of mandated lockdown.
The Shady Lady Exchange closed on March 24th. Lorraine told the staff it was only temporary. "We'll get the store open again as soon as we can."
I didn't tell her, but I knew I wouldn't be returning. I'd already been taking fewer shifts, because I had my own source of income.
I'd become my own source of income, in fact, thanks to Bitcoin.
I had a new name, too, though I hadn't started using it yet. It was a new legally legit name, thanks to grandma Paula and a truly gruesome photo.
I only lived a few blocks from the Shady Lady, so I walked. And on this day, I walked a little more slowly, just taking it all in, though I didn't know why.
Some people had signs hanging in their windows. There were hearts and rainbows, some words of encouragement. That sort of thing.
I stopped when I saw the sign in my neighbor's window.
It said...
"Dear World,
I have not abandoned 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."