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Every Friday, I treat my seven-year-old to a donut, a small joy we embrace amid the chaos of the past year. This weekly ritual not only brings her happiness but also serves as a reward for enduring a week of pandemic schooling, where she can’t hug or interact freely with her friends during lunch.
Last Wednesday, even though she was on spring break, she eagerly started the countdown: “Two more days until my donut!” She’d often pause mid-activity to ponder whether she should get sprinkles.
So, on that chilly yet sunny Friday afternoon in April, we found ourselves in a long queue at a donut shop I picked for its drive-thru convenience. I needed an excuse to pass the time after a taxing week filled with the emotional rollercoaster that’s defined the pandemic: fatigue, monotony, and an overwhelming sense of dread. This week also introduced a new feeling I hadn’t faced until now.
On the last day of school before break, my daughter returned home bursting with excitement, sharing stories about her teacher’s spring break trip to California and a classmate’s cruise to Disney. Others I know were traveling too, some visiting relatives, while others were on sightseeing adventures. With over a million travelers passing through TSA checkpoints daily during her break, the contrast to our own stay-at-home experience felt stark.
We spent our spring break confined to our driveway, living room, and kitchen. Many local outdoor activities were fully booked due to COVID restrictions, and the chilly weather made those options even less appealing. I squeezed all my work into a few hours each morning while my daughter entertained herself with YouTube. After that, we engaged in various activities, from teaching her to ride a bike to crafting random culinary creations inspired by the Netflix baking show “Sugar Rush.”
Some of those moments might sound charming, but after 13 months of being my child’s primary playmate, this week of enforced fun nearly broke me. I tried to limit my social media exposure, scrolling past images of friends on vacations, hugging loved ones, or enjoying gatherings. Each time one of those posts caught my eye, I reminded myself that they might be fully vaccinated, even though that seemed improbable. Still, I felt genuine happiness for them; they deserved a break.
However, my patience was tested in the drive-thru line, which seemed to stretch on forever. After 25 minutes, it was finally our turn. As I approached the window, my daughter exclaimed from the back seat: “Mom, he’s not wearing a mask!” Surely she was mistaken, I thought.
But no. As I reached the drive-thru window, the young employee handed us her donut, grinning widely, and, to my shock, he was indeed maskless. I hadn’t seen a stranger’s smile up close in months. Stunned, I took the donut bag and quickly drove off, tossing it onto the front seat and telling my daughter she couldn’t eat it.
While I know that surface transmission isn’t a significant risk, my anger was palpable—I had just been confronted by an unmasked smile, and I needed to make a point. We drove another 15 minutes back to our local donut shop, which lacks a drive-thru, dodging indoor diners to get her donut (sans sprinkles).
There’s been a lot to be upset about lately. I’ve always been frustrated with those who disregard COVID restrictions, but now, at this stage of the pandemic, the nonchalant attitudes of others make me feel an intense rage. I understand why some are tired of following the guidelines—trust me, I get it. But we are SO CLOSE to overcoming this. Each unvaccinated person who abandons their mask, travels without precautions, or invites guests over is making it harder for the rest of us. I’m eager to do those things too, but their disregard means I have to wait even longer. It feels like I’m stuck in that drive-thru line, watching others zoom ahead while I remain in the same spot.
According to the New York Times, my area is currently at “very high risk” for COVID exposure (hospitalizations have risen by 42%), indicating that nonessential travel should be avoided. During my child’s five-day break, over 4,000 Americans succumbed to COVID. And have you heard about Michigan?
I spoke with others who, like me, are striving to adhere to COVID guidelines, and they share my intense frustration toward rule-breakers. One unvaccinated parent who also stayed home during spring break mentioned that her co-workers recently traveled to Jamaica and England. “Have you screamed recently?” she asked. When I mentioned my daughter was always around, she suggested I lock myself in the car for a good release. “It will take a few times to let it go,” she added.
I’ll give it a shot. In the meantime, I hope everyone enjoyed their spring breaks. If you traveled somewhere fantastic without being vaccinated, please spare me the details.
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Summary:
In a recent drive-thru experience at a donut shop, the author felt a surge of frustration upon discovering that the employee serving them was not wearing a mask. This incident sparked a reflection on the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, the emotional toll of isolation, and the impatience felt by many who continue to adhere to COVID safety measures while others disregard them. The author emphasizes the importance of following guidelines and expresses a desire for everyone to take the pandemic seriously as they navigate these turbulent times.