Dear Lindsey,
Lindsey, I’m writing to you from the future. I’m just a year ahead of you in 2020. Yes, the big year that everyone has been anticipating. I know, you’re probably skeptical of this. If I had to guess, you’re probably sitting at the counter writing, or stressing about senior project with your best friend over an overpriced latte at Barnes and Noble. I’m pretty good, huh? Nailed it. But all kidding aside, I need to tell you something. 2020 isn’t what everyone has anticipated—in fact—2020 might just be a year that calendars forget. Why? Because in this future, nobody needs a calendar. Every day is the same and businesses are closing every day. People are remaining home. We are surrounded by a virus that is killing people all over the world called COVID-19, or, the Coronavirus—no relation to the beer. Everyone in America is in some sort of house arrest or lockdown. You will be in quarantine and you won’t get to finish your very first year at Salve Regina.
Take a breath. I know how excited you are about college. Right now, you don’t even know you’re going to Salve. Surprise! Hope I didn’t spoil your big decision. You’re going to go and spend the semester with two people who will be your best friends. In fact, here’s a hint…they’re your roommates! I need to tell you to enjoy your time with them when that time comes. Have a lot of laughs and be grateful to have these two people you can confide in and lean on. Really take a moment to appreciate your professors and everything that they do for you to make sure you succeed, because in this future, classes are online. Yes, you actually become tech savvy enough to figure out how to log into online classes! I knew we could do it. You won’t enjoy them as much, so appreciate every moment you have in class, whether they’re at 8 AM or 8 PM. I think you’ll thank me for it.
Coronavirus is larger than anyone ever imagined. I know you’re probably curious about it. So far, we know that it affects the lungs and starts off with flu like symptoms. Many people have unfortunately died because there are not enough ventilators. Don’t panic. The virus is not fatal to all who contract it. Keep yourself safe, and stay at home, okay? Do it not for yourself, but for the others around you who may not be in good health. This is the only way to slow the spread. You’ll be happy to know that because of this, you will have a lot of time to spend with your family and boyfriend. Yes, boyfriend, but not the person who you think. You’ll meet him on the day you graduate. He will be your best friend. Yes, I know, we’re writers at heart, but those are the only details I can give! I hope you enjoy piecing the puzzle together. Don’t think about it too much. I know how you like to overthink.
Speaking of graduation, I want to talk to you about your present. I want you to know that you shouldn’t worry about senior project—you always doubt yourself. You’ll do great. Spend time with your friends from high school and cherish it, because I don’t know if we will be able to see them this summer. Things aren’t getting much better as of now. Adventure and enjoy your time hiking. Enjoy your drives with your best friend, Duck, and enjoy your freedom. Enjoy Vermont too. You’ll understand that later. All I know for sure, is that we will get through this. Be grateful you are graduating in 2019 because seniors graduating in 2020 are not as lucky as you. They have had their last, best moments cut short. You don’t enjoy high school, I know, but you will look back and be thankful for it. Live in the moment Lindsey, and keep writing. Better things are to come for both of us—I know it!
Love,
Me