Photo by Max Ferreira: After the rain comes the rainbow
One rainy morning in a big house on the outskirts of north London there were two families living under one roof. Since going into lockdown, they had to obey government rules until further advice.
“This is not fair!” frowned Felix to his cousin Mack. “This stupid virus has already destroyed my future. I’m now doing college work online, which is not the same compared to a regular classroom with all the help and facilities provided.”
“I know how you feel,” Mack agreed. “I’m very annoyed that our freedom and attractions have been closed, meaning we can’t go anywhere to see things or do anything like we did last year. It’s like reliving the dark days of the Great Depression I’m guessing.”
“Yep. I do miss the good old days,” sighed Felix, slumped on the sofa.
Through the door came Mack’s mum, who had just come back with bags of shopping.
“Hi Mack and Felix,” she said as they both got up to help unpack.
“Hi Mum, how was the trip to the shops?” Mack asked.
“Fine thanks,” she replied. “Still having to wait in a line, but once inside the store I was able to grab whatever I needed using social distancing of course. How about you two?” She asked with concern.
“Not bad thanks. Apart from being bored in front of the laptop,” said Felix. “I’m still fed up with missing college and having nothing to do!”
Mack’s mum nodded with concern. Both Mack and Felix were autistic. She knew they both liked to keep busy and follow a strict routine. They also disliked change. She was worried that they were overthinking the coronavirus.
Later that day she called the boys to have a chat.
“Now, you know that we all have to adapt to this very strict change in the way we live?” she said.
“Yes, we have to accept that these changes will be there for a while,” said Felix.
“We are lucky that we have each other and are in contact,” Mack added nervously. “But what about the activities that we are used to doing?”
“Well my darling, as you are one of the key workers at the supermarket, you will be as busy as usual!”
“Oh yeah,” said Mack. “I never realised how lucky I am to be in a job that will not suffer due to the coronavirus. I know how important my role in retail is at this difficult time.”
“But what activities can we do indoors when you’re not at work, Mack?” Felix asked.
Mack’s mum said. “That is why I’ve written this boys: a bucket list of activities that we can do, things we haven’t done for a while. Don’t worry. It’s gonna be fun!”
Felix was still feeling anxious. But Mack said: “Be positive, Felix. It will be okay. As Mum said we have each other, we’re staying strong and keeping busy with things to do during the pandemic period. You’ll see!”
Over the next fortnight of lockdown Felix, Mack and the family followed the new itinerary. Felix and his dad worked together to give Felix’s bedroom a spring clean and repainted the walls. Mack’s sisters went for a walk with their dog Toby to the park every day, following guidelines for the one hour’s exercise.
Sometimes Mack took the dog for its walk also when he wasn’t being a key worker.
Felix found it very refreshing for his mental health to do stuff outside his college work, like cutting the grass, jumping on the trampoline in the garden and generally spending time with his family who, of course, were all staying safe in the house.
Mack, as well as working part-time, had plenty to do that was good for his autism.
Instead of staying in his room, he started doing some baking in the kitchen regularly. He made chocolate brownies and a Victoria sponge. They were delicious. Then Mack spent some time with Felix and his two young sisters, playing games and hanging out in the back garden chatting. This was something that, in their normal, busy lives, didn’t happen often.
As the weeks passed, it was lovely for the two families to have a picnic in the garden together.
Image by Max Ferreira: Felix and Mack give good advice
“Ah this is the life,” said Felix as he helped himself to a sandwich.
“Yeah, it makes you feel like we’re in the park,” said Cassie, one of Mack’s sisters, as she passed the fruit bowl to her brother.
“So what did you boys think of the new bucket list?” Mack’s mum asked as she and Felix’s dad handed out the drinks.
“Well I think it was a good idea, Mum,” said Mack, feeling the warm sun on his face.
“Yeah, as well as adapting to the new routine, it has opened up my eyes to how much we can still do under one roof,” Felix smiled in agreement.
“Great,” said Mack’s mum. She was so proud to have a lovely, healthy family.
Felix and Mack acknowledged they had to stay strong and focused, and see the bright side of the situation. They had to get used to a difficult world of social distancing, until the day they could return to the life they had.
“Covid-19 has made us all feel a little scared with the fast changes to our lives,” said Felix.
“We must be positive, follow the rules and remember we are not alone,” added Mack.
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Exposure is looking for young people’s testimonies of how they are getting through the coronavirus crisis. Please get in touch to share your experiences and advice.
Now working in retail, Max Ferreira is a creative author. A regular at Exposure his autism helps him develop special creative ideas. He has published a series of stories about his experience with autism available on Kindle.
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