Quarantine is like being an only daughter in a Mexican household Quarantine is like being an only daughter in a Mexican household. No sales. You don’t go out. I feel the knot in my stomach tighten every time I have to ask. One simple question unravels an emotional storm and all hell breaks loose. I feel the adrenaline pump through my body, the fear rush through my veins and the ticking bomb of my anxiety waiting to go off. As I walk up to my mother, I rehearse exactly what I’m going to say. Ma, puedo salir? No, that’s too vague. She’ll be annoyed by the lack of information. Ma, ¿puedo salir con un amigo? Asking to go out with male friend? That’s even worse. I walk in fear as I find the right words to ask her. The right words to ease her worries, and finally get her to say yes. And when my naive hope and optimism overpowers my fear, the words finally escape, I take a deep breath and say - “Ma, ¿puedo salir?” No. Quarantine is like being an only daughter in a Mexican household. No sales. You don’t go out. But when you do, it is imperative that you cover up appropriately. For your own safety, of course. Algo malo te va pasar si no te cuidas. My mother says. Something bad will happen to you if you don’t take care of yourself. Don’t wear those shorts. They’re too short, y ellos te van a mirar. Don’t wear that dress. It’ll draw too much attention. Don’t wear that shirt either. Usa algo un poco más conservador. She reminds me que es mejor prevenir que lamentar, and assures me that someday I will understand that all the restrictions are for my own good. Quarantine is like being an only daughter in a Mexican household. Believe me. I know. Nicole Mendez '21 (BHSEC Queens)
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