Weeks passed by, and the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) spread rapidly to different countries. Causing a lot of people to be hospitalized due to shortness of breath and other medical conditions. Many establishments were temporarily closed due to the Covid-19 restrictions, and only stores selling essential goods and services are allowed to operate. Pharmacies and government offices were open, and many people bought disposable face masks, hand sanitizers, alcohols and medicine to have enough supply for their families. Panic-buying was inevitable since many were afraid to go outside for a few days, they opted to buy their groceries ahead causing many grocery and department stores to extend their working hours to accommodate all customers.
Due to the Coronavirus outbreak, many lost their jobs leaving many families hopeless and hungry. Good thing, the LGU's distributed 5 kilos of rice, 2 cans of sardines and 2 packs of instant noodles to each household. Even though the goods won't be enough especially to those having more than five family members, their still thankful for the blessing.
Watching the local news that day, Esther was concerned by the current situation. Thinking about the safety of her daughters, she sent a short message to Dahlia, telling her to always wear her masks and as much as possible avoid people that she thinks were looking a bit sick. The symptoms of a person having the disease were somehow similar to those having a flu. So, it's not that easy to identify if your infected or not. That's why, if you don't have anything important to do outside, better stay at home.
On that day, the managers and supervisors of Gaisano Grand Mall held a meeting together with their staffs, they had an early closing as implemented by their higher-ups.
There were at the ground floor of the mall which was silent, the staffs made sure to be one meter apart from each other as they seated on the monoblock chairs.
Dahlia was fidgeting her fingers, showing how nervous she was of what their managers and supervisors would announce.
"As you all know, with the covid-19 situation going on, we must follow all the health protocols to ensure the welfare of everyone" Mrs. Rodriquez started the meeting, she's one of the supervisors. Working for almost 20 years, she proved to be dependable and worthy of her position. They all listened attentively to everything she says.
"I'm sorry to inform this, but the mall will temporarily close for the time being.." Almost everyone gasped after hearing the announcement. Some even whined and shoked their heads, clearly displeased with the announcement but what could they do? This was bound to happen like the other businesses stated on the news.
Dahlia started to worry and overthink, "How about my family? My sister's education? The bills? What's going to happen to all of us?" She has a lot of questions that's making her head hurt, closing her eyes on the process. When she opened her eyes, the meeting was over and everyone was preparing to leave. Kimberly went to her with a sad expression on her beautiful face.
"Are you okay, Dahlia? You seemed preoccupied a while ago" Kimberly worriedly asked as she went near her.
She exhaled a deep breath before answering,
"I'm okay, Kim, just confused and I can't help but worry. What're we going to do now?" Tears were starting to form on her eyes, seeing her friend close to crying without thinking of the one meter apart rule, Kim embraced Dahlia and patted her back.
''Don't cry, we'll get through this, we're strong" Kimberly softly said to the sobbing Dahlia. They hugged each other for a good 5 minutes and when Kimberly saw Dahlia's face. She felt pity, Dahlia's eye make-up was smudge and her eyes were red.
"I would like to go to the comfort room, Kim" Dahlia weakly said and used her handkerchief to dry her tears.
"Let's go then, you should retouch your make-up girl, so your mother won't worry about you" Despite feeling sad because of the announcement, Dahlia manages to smile at Kimberly. She's lucky to have a friend like her, to have someone she could count on and would comfort her when she's feeling down. Being friends for three years, they've become really close and they value their friendship so much. Treating each other like sisters and helping one another in times of crisis.
Dahlia quickly retouched her make-up as Kimberly waited patiently for her. When suddey, Kimberly's phone rang. She excused herself before going outside the comfort room.
Dahlia sighed still feeling sad about their situation. With the mall close temporarily, she won't be able to work and no work means no money. Good thing they have a sari-sari store that her mother manages, atleast they can still make some income. She felt bad and just wanted to rest when gets home.
The door opened revealing Kimberly, "Girl, I have something to tell you" She said while stepping inside.
"What is it?" Dahlia asked while putting her make up kit inside her shoulder bag.
"My mother already knows about the temporary mall closure and she was suggesting if we could work on our eatery"
"She wants us to work on your family's eatery?" Dahlia asked wanted to make sure if she heard it right. "Yes girl, although our salary won't be the same as what the company gives us but atleast we have a job, right? Kimberly said sounding hopeful that her friend would accept her mother's suggestion.
"You'll get paid too?" Kimberly nodded, she continued, "Wow! That's great. I'll accept it"
"Okay then, I'll tell mom when as soon as I get home. She'll be happy for sure, You see, Edmund recently resigned leaving a vacant position and since I'm available, she wanted me to be the cashier" Kimberly explained to her what happened to their eatery and why her mother was looking for a new food server.
"What happend to Edmund?" Dahlia asked as they walked out of the mall. "Mom said he needs to go home to their province, his girlfriend just gave birth and he wants to be their for her and their baby" Kimberly answered while recalling her mother's call.
Dahlia nodded understanding Edmund's decision to leave. With the pandemic going on, it's better to stay with your love ones and working at the province would be a good idea.