Behind Glass

This pandemic is indeed very depressing for the most of us. We tend to do things that make us happy - activities such as cooking, gardening, crocheting, writing, and maybe getting a new pet to take care of or as an addition to the family. Honestly, on top of the pressure brought by the pandemic, I went through a very tough situation in my life. A very close relative of mine suggested I do something to divert my attention, so I tried diamond paintings, crocheting, reading books, and I did short walks in the afternoon, too. It worked! I noticed I was back on my feet little by little. Thanks to the people who helped me during those hard times.

One day, someone gave me a little beta fish in a nice glass bowl as a gift. I was overjoyed because I was not actually thinking of getting one because I was not really quite sure if I could take care of it properly if I’m out for work during the pandemic. I took it in and was very careful of it. I named him Johnwick. Yes! One word - Johnwick. Since Johnwick is a tiny little handsome fish, I decided he could stay in his bowl. But I was planning to get him a real tank with filters and decorations in it. I did not worry about the stores being close during quarantine times because I can always have it delivered by amazon! Some of you might be smiling right now! Easy fix, eh?

I was living with my cousin during that time. She has two beautiful, sweet felines - Faith and Marshmallow. Well, the reason why I kept Johnwick in my room is the fear of him being a tasty little dinner for the two!

It was an ordinary morning when I got out of my room and forgot to close my door. I was downstairs when I realized that my door was open. I rushed upstairs to check my fish. I was shocked when I found Marshmallow coming out of my room. I remember I whispered to myself, “Goodbye, Johnwick.” I got inside slowly, my eyes were straight right to the table where the bowl is. “Faith!” I called her. “What are you doing here? Did you come by to say hi to Johnwick?” I asked her while giving her a soft stroke in the head. Faith looked at me in the eye and made a faint meow as if she answered me, “Yeah, I want to befriend him.”

The next day, I opened my door and stayed in bed. I just wanted to see what would Marshmallow and Faith do with Johnwick. Both of them came eventually after like 2 hours of waiting. Both climbed up the table and inspected the bowl. I assumed that was the “good morning” greeting they send personally to Johnwick. Marshmallow left but Faith stayed beside the bowl. They did visit Johnwick every day but only Faith would remain to stay for a while.

I think the love she has for Johnwick was a special kind. Not from afar but behind glass. And I wanted them to be friends that way!

I realized that our fear would always stop us from doing something that could make us happy. I realized that love is larger than fear and with that realization, I changed the way I viewed myself.

I hope you’ll find some inspiration, too!

Stay safe and may the love be with you.

-orc