Bolu went to the window side for the umpteenth time, hoping to see something different, anything that would at least lift her mood, but it was the same view she's been seeing for the past 5 days. The streets were empty except for stray dogs and security officers who were patrolling the neighbourhood to enforce the lockdown, preventing the spread of a deadly virus that was discovered exactly a week ago.
She had just arrived home from her customer service job at a tech solutions hub on that fateful evening when the lockdown was imposed. People still had the privilege to do shopping until the night before security officers were sent out to force people off the street. At first, it was fun and an opportunity to rest but after five days, Bolu wasn't finding it fun anymore.
"I can't believe this would happen too soon after COVID-19," She stuttered, her face pressed against the burglary-proof bars.
Bolu went from the window to her small couch, sitting and staring at her damaged phone on the bedside drawer. It slipped while she was using the torchlight and the screen cracked immediately after it hit the ground.
"This is so annoying," She grumbled, frustration written in every line of her face as she remembered how the phone got damaged.
"If only these people left the electricity on, my phone would be working fine. Now, I don't have access to any information about the situation outside, and there is nothing to do in this house," She stuttered and got out of the couch.
She looked around the small room for anything to engage with but there was nothing. Her bed was properly made and tidy, the kitchen and bathroom were sparkling clean, so she threw herself on the bed, burying her face in the pillow before screaming to ease her frustration.
Bolu's routine changed from sitting all day with her phone to reading her old books, updating her diary and repacking her clothes just to contain the boredom that was gradually overwhelming her.
On the 7th day of the lockdown, Bolu took a stroll within her compound in the morning, but her neighbours had locked themselves indoors. She wished someone would step out for a minute so she could ask questions about the lockdown, but no one did.
Bolu couldn't knock on their doors since she had just moved in two months ago and hadn't interacted with anyone yet. She left home very early, returned home in the evening and locked herself indoors until the next day.
"If only I had made just one friend here," She stuttered, walking back to her room, tears welling up in her eyes.
"Are you lost or do you need something?" A male voice asked, and Bolu paused, thinking that she was hallucinating.
"Hello Miss, are you okay?" The voice asked again and Bolu turned around gently. There was a tall guy with beard, probably in his mid twenties, he had pyjamas on and was heading to dispose of his waste bags.
"Hi, I am your neighbour. My name is Bolu," She stuttered, taking a step closer to him.
"Neighbour? How come we've never met?" He asked.
"I spend time indoors when I am not at work," Bolu replied.
"Oh, that must be the case because I know everyone here except you. Anyways, my name is Michael and it's nice meeting you," He replied and went ahead to dispose of the bag.
Bolu stood at the spot thinking whether she should return to her room or engage Michael in a conversation.
"So what do you do?" Bolu stuttered immediately he got where she was standing.
"Me? Who's asking?" Michael stuttered, he wasn't expecting such a question from Bolu.
"Sorry if my question is awkward. I am losing my mind up ther and just needed someone to speak to," Bolu stammered.
"Oh, I get. Everyone is tired of the lockdown," Michael replied.
"Yes, but my case his different. I don't have a TV and my phone screen cracked a few days ago. It's like I am shut out of the world," Bolu replied.
"Wow, so how have you been keeping tabs?" Michael asked, feeling concerned about Bolu's situation.
"Tabs? I am literally going crazy up there," She replied, pointing to her flat again.
"I am making breakfast, and you can join me if you don't mind," Michael asked. Without hesitation, Bolu said yes and he led the way.
Michael's room was very tidy and had lots of paintings hung on the wall. Bolu admired every piece of art and eventually sat while Michael was busy finishing up the cooking.
He joined her later and they chatted over the meal. She got to know that Michael is an artist, and he gave her updates about the vaccine that would be sent out by the government in a few days, and people can return to their normal lives.
Bolu left Michael's apartment at noon and asked if he would love to visit her too the next day. He agreed and went with a bottle of wine for refreshment, but was surprised by Bolu, who had prepared a delicious meal for Michael.
"I haven't tasted something this great in a long time. Bachelor's life can be very boring," He admired Bolu's cooking and she was happy too. They did more introductions and played Scrabble all day.
They had a strong connection drawing them together with every day that passed, and they couldn't resist it. On the 15th day of the lockdown, the government made it known that the lockdown had been lifted but every citizen must get the vaccine.
Michael broke the news to Bolu with mixed feelings, and she noticed it.
"You should be happy that we are returning to our normal lives," Bolu said happily.
"I am but wouldn't that be the end of us. Life with you in the past few days feels different," Michael replied. He sighed heavily and stood from the couch.
"Us?" Bolu stuttered.
"I must be thinking too much. Let me just return to my place," He stuttered.
"I felt it too, but what if it's just because we are stuck with each other. What if we don't feel the same way when everything is over?" Bolu asked.
"I know what I feel but can't tell about you," Michael replied and knelt before Bolu.
"Please, I feel complete with you around. I think the whole lockdown was for us to connect," He added, reaching for her hand.
"I don't believe that, we could be a mere coincidence, but let's continue to be friends until we are certain," She replied, forcing Michael to rise.
"Friends right? But this is actually our beginning to forever," Michael replied, and they both burst into laughter.
