“Breaking news, an unknown virus is spreading across the nation. It can kill you. Doctors and scientists say it stops your heart and can infect your kidneys and stomach. Wear your mask. Stay at home. Keep six feet apart and twelve feet for eating and drinking.” Said the newscaster.  

Harry looked at Ron. Ron looked at me and I looked at Harry.  We gasped. “I’m going to miss you guys,” said Ron. “Me too.” I said. Harry’s dog Hedwig walked in. “You too” I said, petting him.  I got up.  “Well, I should be going.” I said and walked off. “Me too.” said Ron as he got up.

As I walked down the road, I saw a shop selling masks. They clearly got the message.  “Three please.” I said in a soft voice.  “$10.99.” said the man at the counter with a gruff voice. I pay and put one on as I walk out of the store. 

It had begun to rain.  Wet drops splattered my face. It was like the weather was copying my emotions.  A gloomy fog fell over my town. Tears melted with the rain. I was soaked to the bone. My feet dragged all the way home. 

As I opened the door, my mother’s voice rang through the hall.  “Hermoine, have you heard the news? It’s so sad.” “Yeah.” I answered. My mother walked in.  “You should take a warm shower.” She said. I saw my dad on the second floor.  “You’re wet. Clean up and get dry.” He said.

I walk to the bathroom and towel off. I grab a rag and dry the floor once I was done. I ran to my room and collapsed on my bed. I lay there for what seemed to be hours. 

Finally, dinner time came. Nobody said a word. A queasiness lay in my stomach.  I picked at my food. I didn’t’ feel like eating.

Days passed. Nothing changed. I missed Ron and Harry. It was like a part of me was missing. An ache was in my heart. I was bored. I had played every game in the house at least twice and there was no one to play with. 

I decided to ask them if they wanted to meet at the park. I felt that we could all wear our masks and social distance. I really wanted to see them. Harry said yes but Ron said he was sick. I dropped my phone. Ron sick! This must be some kind of trick. Ron, but how?  I stared at the dropped phone. A new text from Ron, going to get testing, so it wasn’t a  trick. How? How? How? I groaned.

I waited four endless days. Finally Ron’s results came back. I’m fine.  I shouted with joy then I text back. Park? This time, both tests came back saying yes. My heart jumped in my throat!

“Yes!” I shouted. “Yes, yes, yes!” Joy flooded through me. My face shone like the sun. 

On Sunday, the sun shone as I got dressed and ate breakfast.  At lunch I went to the park and saw Ron and Harry. A grin spread across my face. I could see that Harry and Ron were smiling too.