The world of Tzu Chi April 2020 (Vol.121)

07 greater accuracy. I was anxious; I fervently hoped that the results would prove negative. I left the hospital and returned home for the quarantine period. My mother prepared the storeroom for my temporary stay, while my father erected a makeshift partition – patched together using two sheets of plastic – to separate the storeroom from the rest of the house. As I arrived home, I anticipated spending the quarantine period in the comfort of my own room, yet ended up having to settle for the storeroom! I felt disappointed and could not resist wondering: I was wearing an N95 mask and I’m not necessarily infected with the disease; why does everyone seem nervous around me? I refrained from face-to-face communication with my family, resorting to talking over the phone instead. Every day, my mother would leave my meals outside my room and alert me to collect them by knocking on the door. This was my daily routine under quarantine. I later learnt that prior to my return home, my father had caught the flu, which weakened his immunity. Hence, my mother was compelled to take various precautionary measures out of concern for my father’s health. In retrospect, I should have positioned myself in others’ shoes and be more considerate instead of judging others through my one-sided assumptions. I am grateful for all my family had done for me throughout my time in quarantine. To my family: I sincerely apologize for causing you to worry. Not forgetting to thank my beloved mother for preparing my favourite meals every day. On March 25, I was informed by the hospital that my test results came back negative. I heaved a sigh of relief as the burden had finally been lifted off my shoulders. The hospital authorities issued a formal letter that permitted me to return to work due to the severe shortage of manpower in the emergency ward. I reported for work the next day. This experience has taught me a few lessons: wear protective clothing and surgical gloves when dealing with patients with respiratory illnesses during this critical period; cherish family and friends; our health is our most valuable asset. Furthermore, I am grateful to my colleagues for taking over our duties when we were being quarantined, and to the kind souls who delivered food to us. If you are ever subjected to quarantine, exercise due caution and do everything within your capacity to protect your loved ones. Last but not least, I am deeply grateful to my mother. As I was about to discreetly leave home for work, she came down to tell me she loves me. At that instant, my heart ached for her and tears welled up in my eyes as I sensed her guilt, but I understand that she went to great lengths for the sake of my father and the family. My mother choked with tears as she kept on reminding me to take care of myself, as if I were heading for war, never to return. I felt bad to see her shaken by the recent events, but held back my tears as I bade her farewell. I finally let my tears flow freely as I entered the car and closed the door. Nevertheless, I must remain strong and brace myself for the impending battle – we will not be defeated! Coming Together in Times of Crisis