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How is the coronavirus pandemic affecting your life right now? Tell us about your experiences, feelings, and thoughts.

Something surprisingly positive came out of un unpleasant situation. I had an allergic reaction to an infusion I received so had to visit the pharmacy by bus. Wore my mask as required and was grateful the bus wasn't crowded. (So many people here seem to think the pandemic is over and refuse to comply with the transit masking rules.) But the bus was quite late so my patience and mood were tested. The pharmacy was inside a busy grocery store and almost nobody was wearing a mask. So I picked up the meds and high tailed it to the light rail station where the bus pool is stationed. As I walked past the first bus station I noticed a man sitting there. Our eyes met and we both recognized each other from riding the light rail on Tuesday evenings before covid. He was always on his way to work as I was returning home after drawing musicians at an open mic. We had many lovely conversations on those night rides but hadn't seen each other for almost 2 years. So we talked until his bus arrived (mine was late, of course!); and, before he got on, he gave me a hug. A real bear hug, my first real hug since before the pandemic. I haven't really touched anyone or been touched since before covid. It felt strange but beautiful. The pleasure of it has stayed with me.