Our Love Among Corona

Viruses & Missing Chicken Clap

It's one of the most beautiful winter seasons I've had. Allan and I have agreed to give an opportunity to an advanced relationship. After the new year together, we met more and more. Sometimes I spend time in his apartment or he comes to my apartment. He also helped organize the things in the apartment that I rented after moving out of Alin's house.

Sad and happy with this condition. Sad to part with my beloved Estonian family, but also happy because for the first time I rented my own apartment abroad. Although my salary is not much as a regular staff, but has enabled me to rent a place to live alone.

This is a beautiful apartment in Pirita. One of the suburbs of Tallinn that borders the forest, river and sea at once. I feel so lucky to get this apartment, in a place that is quite quiet from the city and also rewarded with beautiful scenery.

A few hundred meters from my apartment there is a TV Tower, it's the tallest tower in Estonia. People usually come here on weekends. Spend time with your family or boyfriend while sitting at the top of the tower cafe.

Among all the beauties I've been enjoying, something has happened in the world: the issue of a deadly virus starting to blow in from China. I didn't really understand the details until my mentor called several times and checked on me.

"You read the news? See news from China about the deadly virus. Hundreds of people are exposed to the virus every day and many have died. In Estonia how is it?" ask when he calls.

"There's no case in Estonia of this virus" I explained. From her tone, I knew she was worried. However, even in Indonesia, no one has been affected by this virus.

"Be careful, stay away from crowds, we never know who has been exposed to the virus" he advised.

"Yes, but here everyone is still ordinary. All activities, entertainment, dining are still functioning as usual. Crowds everywhere, especially in restaurants and bars" I explained.

"Just be careful" the message again.

I have indeed read the news about the new virus that is touted by the name of Corona. The virus, which is also thought to be from a Bat or similar animal, is not known with certainty because a team of experts is still researching it at this time. The virus was discovered in Wuhan, China. WHO confirmed the first case of the virus on December 8, 2019 as the first case. In Wuhan began to spread on December 16, 2019. How dangerous this virus is, no one knows.

"Yes I'll be careful. Uh by the way, I have a new boyfriend, an Estonian guy" I meant to show him off.

"That's good, just try it first, if it fits you". The message is very to the point.

Though I still want to ask, is this man what is meant by something new waiting for me in Estonia. But yes, what is the importance of asking this now, when I myself am not entirely sure that Allan is my soul mate. Like he said, try it first. I just taught myself to start believing and to make room for Allan who was most likely my soul mate.

I've cleaned up all the stuff, now enjoy a cup of lemon tea, stand up and look at the snowflakes from my living room. I really like this apartment because it has large glass walls. The windows are also big which can make me choose to enjoy some angles. Whether the corner that treats the parking area that also leads to the trees or a straight angle looking at the TV Tower.

I did not go to the office on purpose today, because I needed to get things done. In addition to the schedule to call with my mentor, there is still another schedule that is a video call with my favorite.

Amidst the cold minus, news of the virus, Swab Chickens present filled my heart. Shown by the swashbuckling sambal that flows over the greasy fried chicken. Sambal sprinkled Cashew Nuts, spicy chilies appetizing. Along with the hot white rice smoke billowing. Accompanied by tempe, tofu and also Crispy cabbage. I swallowed water many times. Luckily those who live in Jakarta, every day enjoy the adored Chicken Clap. I'm in Estonia, here's another tough thing. Although full of happiness, longing for Gepuk remains irreplaceable with any chicken menu in the world.

I stared at my HP screen again. There are 5 minutes left as promised by our phone. I can't wait to hear the update from my Gepuk team. Miss them remembering all our madness in Jakarta. Exercise almost every day, but eat one basin which then always realizes how unbalanced all this effort. Especially if it has been teased by Gepuk, midnight is no longer a consideration. The wobble of faith when Gepuk is coupled with hot rice. Then often it seems a little regret that tomorrow sports should be more. But tomorrow, it's repeated. Oh HP screen on.

"Yeah! finally we're talking to the four of them all..yeay". Mauli shouted for a few times. This girl's spirit is amazing.

"Buset.assortment toA nih voice" as usual, Vavan nyeletuk spicy like sambal gurgle.

"Yes last week our new vidcall" I said. Mauli does like to exaggerate when talking, like not meeting a few full moons.

"You must be crying, right?" Vavan is fishing.

"Ah know it" answered me who again swallowed saliva.

"There is a new branch that knows, yesterday I tried" he continued. It was as if the news of the opening of the clap branch was far more important than asking for my news.

"Oh yeah, how good is our subscription?" I was tempted to ask.

"Have our subscription. Unmatched is mah. Yesterday there, just wanted to try a new one" Vavan was so sure of the answer.

"Best is our place. I felt my saliva coming out" I said again.

"Hunt home, that's why!" Livi chimed in.

"You guys in Jakarta are fine, right? I just got a call from my mentor, talking about the virus issue earlier" I asked to confirm the situation.

"So far, anyway. Because no case has been found. China is horrified. Some other countries are also high, South Korea, Iran.sama there are several more countries I read earlier". Livi which is usually the most updated is always fast in providing information.

Livi has a hobby of surfing on various social media and also reading a lot of research, she is one of the most critical among us. Second place was Vavan. They both fit in well when it comes to news discussions, scientific matters and a variety of complicated data that I sometimes find difficult to understand. Livi graduated from Mathematical Sciences University of Indonesia while Vavan graduated from Chemical Engineering Institute of Technology Bandung (ITB). So it is clear what kind of background strengthens the character of these two.

"Vashla, tell me more about your new yayang dong?" Mauli seems more interested in romance than discussing viruses.

"He's good, isn't he his son? Respect the same as you? Be trusted? Is there a strange personality, right? Stay if the treatment is bad". Vavan asked a lot of questions.

"Yes, be careful, if strange stay. You desire a good guy who can make you happy. Don't suffer just because you feel you need someone" Livi continued.

How much I miss this support. It feels like being in Jakarta, although short in the hustle and bustle of our video call. Various life updates and unimportant chats adorn our togetherness.