And there it is. The entirely unexpected pink line where none had ever appeared before. In almost two years of the shitshow that is this pandemic, it had finally found our household. More specifically, me.
Let me set the scene.
A fortnight ago, my best friend was away for a few days when her daughter (and lodger) tested positive. Rather than head home and try to isolate in the same house, her and her husband sought sanctuary at my house. The attic bedroom was duly prepped and preened for their arrival.
Fast-forward to this Monday. We’ve all been taking regular LFTs to keep an eye on any trace of the lurgy infringing on our fun (and it has been fun having them here). All of us testing negative every time. I realised about 2pm that I’d actually gone at least 30 minutes without eating or drinking anything so seized the opportunity to stick a swab up my schnoz.
I was genuinely in shock as the T line popped up, even before the C line had been reached. None of the standard symptoms so no expectation I’d be plague-riddled. In disbelief, I announced I’d got it and shut myself in the lounge whilst my friends packed up and shipped out – like they’d had an immigration tip-off! They were about 8 hours early for the end of their daughter’s isolation but certainly at a lower risk than if they’d stayed here.
My husband tested negative and departed for the school run shortly after. That was my window. Mask on, I ran about the house like a very odd episode of Supermarket Sweep. I managed to bag a TV, Firestick, my Nintendo Switch, dressing gown, jigsaw puzzle, Christmas socks, cuddly toy, toiletries, books, chargers, PJs… I was set by the time the kids arrived home.
I managed to tell a few people – obviously anyone I’d seen recently or those I thought might like to know. The rest would have to wait.
A fortnight ago, my best friend was away for a few days when her daughter (and lodger) tested positive. Rather than head home and try to isolate in the same house, her and her husband sought sanctuary at my house. The attic bedroom was duly prepped and preened for their arrival.
Fast-forward to this Monday. We’ve all been taking regular LFTs to keep an eye on any trace of the lurgy infringing on our fun (and it has been fun having them here). All of us testing negative every time. I realised about 2pm that I’d actually gone at least 30 minutes without eating or drinking anything so seized the opportunity to stick a swab up my schnoz.
I was genuinely in shock as the T line popped up, even before the C line had been reached. None of the standard symptoms so no expectation I’d be plague-riddled. In disbelief, I announced I’d got it and shut myself in the lounge whilst my friends packed up and shipped out – like they’d had an immigration tip-off! They were about 8 hours early for the end of their daughter’s isolation but certainly at a lower risk than if they’d stayed here.
My husband tested negative and departed for the school run shortly after. That was my window. Mask on, I ran about the house like a very odd episode of Supermarket Sweep. I managed to bag a TV, Firestick, my Nintendo Switch, dressing gown, jigsaw puzzle, Christmas socks, cuddly toy, toiletries, books, chargers, PJs… I was set by the time the kids arrived home.
I managed to tell a few people – obviously anyone I’d seen recently or those I thought might like to know. The rest would have to wait.
I still felt fine. And I love this room – my favourite place in the house. “This might not be so bad…,” I began to think.
But it began to dawn on me just how much I was going to miss out on. My daughter’s long-overdue return from her first term at uni this Friday (also now known as a week before I’ll be able to physically see her, let alone hug her). Birthdays. Christmas prep. Our pre-Chrimbo descent to Wales to visit our nearest and dearest. Shopping for the kids’ stocking ‘bits’.
And, just how long 10 days actually is.
#covid #covid19 #isolation #missingout #Igottherona
But it began to dawn on me just how much I was going to miss out on. My daughter’s long-overdue return from her first term at uni this Friday (also now known as a week before I’ll be able to physically see her, let alone hug her). Birthdays. Christmas prep. Our pre-Chrimbo descent to Wales to visit our nearest and dearest. Shopping for the kids’ stocking ‘bits’.
And, just how long 10 days actually is.
#covid #covid19 #isolation #missingout #Igottherona
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