Wishing on Hope

By Scarlett, Age 10

Before the pandemic hit, we had no idea how things were going to change. My grandparents stayed, thinking America was way safer than China. Guess how wrong they were. The pandemic came so fast, it was like a hurricane. Airplanes stopped coming around, and my grandparents were stuck there. One night, when I went downstairs, I heard my dad talking in Mandarin saying, “The airplanes have been cutting off their trail, and China isn’t letting anybody go in.” Hearing that, I felt really bad for my grandparents–they had family and friends in China!

Before I knew it, a year had already passed. “It’ll be over soon.” My mom reassured me but she sounded like she herself didn’t believe it. Two years later, I emerged from my room. The past years flew away like doves on a tree. It was Lunar New Year, and it seemed too soon. The whole house was decorated from head to toe with lanterns and pretend firecrackers. Even with the tension, my whole family was cheerful and happy.

It was the first time we were all together as a family. I guess even though in this sticky situation, one can always find hope.

It was the first time we were all together as a family. I guess even though in this sticky situation, one can always find hope.