Some souls come into your life just long enough to teach you something essential. During the pandemic, when the world went quiet and the streets emptied, she found me. Or perhaps I found her — a street cat with an injured leg and absolutely no intention of being pitied. I healed her leg. She healed something in me I did not know was broken. My sister called her Simbichka. I called her Semichka. She answered to both — and to neither — because she was a free soul from the very beginning, and we both knew it. She had this unique way of sleeping — curled into a perfect circle, paw tucked over her face, as if the whole world could wait. I used to watch her and think — what a beautiful way to exist. Completely, peacefully, unapologetically yourself. When the pandemic lifted and life opened up again, I let her go. Back to her streets, her freedom, her world. It was the right thing. I knew it then. But some days — like today — I miss her so much. Semichka. Simbichka. Wherever you are — I hope you are sleeping in a warm circle of light, paw over your face, dreaming of nothing at all. "I healed her leg. She healed something in me I did not know was broken."

2020. Covid spread around the world. I returned from Tashkent. Ancient Bukhara. What a beautiful city - but now a cage. Living with grandma. She is alone. It could be cruel to leave her in such a situation alone. But I missed my mother; her voice was weird last time. I feel worried, should visit her. But how? We are locked in our own homes. *** I came, ma! Father did not allow me to enter the home. Why? Strange. I insist. Mother came, did not go out of the home, just said at the door, “Bye", without greeting. She is ill. I swear she is ill, but she did not admit it. Father says, " She is just tired, but I am sure she is ill. 100%. I am sure. Father says, “Go, your grandma alone, just go”. *** The taxi is waiting. I went, couldn't get into the car, and I looked back. Dad says, “Go, bye”. I looked back, looked at ma, she is pale, looks exhausted. I looked at the car, looked back at ma, could not get into the car, ran back, hugged her, she hugged back. I felt like she waited for this hug so long, father got angry: “Why did u hug?” shouted. I felt comfort. If that is the case, let's die together! *** When my mother got pregnant with me, she was not in good health, everyone was against my birth, and she had doubts too, but could not abort, took a risk, and now we are alive in 2020 with Covid. My whole body, each inch, is aching. I feel like I am dying today. 2026. We are both alive. We survived, like before when she gave birth in 2001, like in Covid 2020 after a little hug, and now in 2026. I am relieved we are even. We went through all these together, like in the past, like in Covid, like now.

The sun is shining, Birds are singing, The sky is bright The wind is blowing. Come on, my dear, How amazing a day, Let's go climbing Which is striking. It is the best gift   Breathing... Without any fear Let's go, my dear.

Coronavirus is a kind of ruthless killer! It is eating millions of people even children like a vampire and spreading like a mushroom day by day. It is, also, eating too many people in my country. Although so many doctors are trying to save their life, they cannot. What is a pity! Fortunately, we can protect ourselves from it by washing hands with soup and following hygienic rules. But, we should admit that we are not able to stop its spreading. That`s why our government has declared quarantine. STAY AT HOME!!! After promulgation of the quarantine we had to study online. (I am a student and I am studying at University.) In general, the online learning process was fun and experienced. I can say that I learned a lot through it. Because all the materials were full and the tasks were easy to complete. And also we did all tasks by taking videos and photos. However, it would be better if we could do debates with my classmates and teacher face to face, which would be more helpful to improve our skills, the online learning was not too bad. So, the only thing that bothered me was too low internet connection and I had to spend too much time for opening the task. Fortunately, inspite of the low internet connection I could pass all exams. After passing the exams my boring life began. It consisted of eating, sleeping, eating, sleeping and again sleeping. But, One should not live like that. One day when I was watching TV I saw a woman whose whole family, even her 4- years- old child, was infected with the coronavirus. Yes, she, a woman was quarantined at the hospital, was so sad, but I saw patience, hope and cofidence in her eyes. She said that : ‘Because of blessing of Allah I am not sick and it is my luck. And I believe that my family will be healed then we all will return to our home...'. So her impressive words gave me passion and inspiration. Therefore, I realised that laziness is not my style. I cannot live as a donkey. I know I am an energetic and skillful girl and I should not waste my time. I know I am able to achieve my aims even at home. And of course, quarantine is not my obstacle, but my chance because I have so much time. So, I reorganised my goals list and my first aim was studying marketing and management fields, then preparing for starting up my own business. As, It was my dream and also I have an idea. But, it is my secret and nobody should know that. Oops! I forgot my parents. They will never let me start up my business because of our social rules. My father always told me that ‘Business is not for girls'. But, I am not an ordinary girl who sits at home and cooks a meal. I am ready to face any difficulties and I will try to do my best to achieve my aims. Neither my parents nor coronavirus can be a hindrance to me. Now, I am learning marketing field via you tube videos and telegram channels. I believe that it is my initial step to my future success.