A global pandemic? Are you serious? And the governor is talking about a lockdown? How? What’s going to happen to Z.E.N.? What am I talking about? I should more be worried about not catching this fucking virus.
I loosened my tie, not used to feeling powerless.
Relax. This may be a one-or two-week thing. Nothing more. But what about Italy?
With a horrific number of deaths, Italy had been on lockdown for over a month. Footage played of citizens posting videos from indoors.
Will that be New York’s fate?
I glanced back at the television.
Governor Ellis is speaking.
I grabbed the remote from my desk and turned mute off.
“We believe if more New York residents stay at home, we will reduce possible infections where the virus is not yet widespread.” Worry lines wrinkled along the governor’s forehead.
A news reporter raised her hand. “Governor, how long will the lockdown be?”
“At this time, all schools and nonessential businesses will be closed until April 1st.”
I leaned back in my chair.
“Masks will now be required in public. They must cover noses and mouths when in places where social distancing is not possible.” Governor Ellis cleared his throat. “All subway riders and operators must wear a covering. This will go into effect tomorrow morning.”
In a daze, I listened to the rest. Somehow I had to get my employees safely home. Last week, I had ordered several managers and IT staff to come up with a proper work-from-home plan, if necessary.
Hope they’re done.
I pressed my intercom.
My secretary’s voice rose on the speaker. “Yes, Mr. Patel?”
“Get Alicia Johnson and Morris Grant in here. We’ll need to start operation A.”
She cleared her throat. “Y-you think. . .that’s necessary?”
“New York is going on lockdown. A security tech company is not essential. The majority of us can do our jobs at home. There’s no need to put everyone in harm’s way.”
“I understand, sir.”
“But. . .maybe, everyone is blowing this all out of proportion. I remember bird flu and—”
“I’m a big believer in the thought, better safe than sorry.”
“You’re right, Mr. Patel. But, how long would working from home last?”
“This virus is getting worse every day. The death toll is rising. As far as I’m concerned, my employees will work from home, until people stop dying.”
A strained tone hit her voice. “Yes, sir.”
“Additionally, instruct all supervisors to get in touch with their team members. Plus, make sure Operations are ready to be flooded as employees check out their laptops.”
“Yes, sir.”
I sat back in my chair and checked my watch.
It’s not even lunch time yet, and the apocalypse is coming. We’ll have to close now.
This could give everyone a jumpstart back home before the crowds of other employees packed the trains. Perhaps, this would even give my people a moment to breathe. Many had kids to pick up from school and other worries.
Yes. We’ll implement the work-from-home plan now.
I saved the spreadsheets I’d been working on, shut off the laptop, and grabbed my mask for the meeting. The rest of my work would have to be finished at home.
I considered that for a moment. How much would I get done with Amber around? She’d been a wreck since the virus news. Would there be more arguments? My head throbbed. One more of her crazy outbursts and I’d be thinking about kicking her out of the condo. However, my mother had taught me better than that.
I groaned.
It will be fine. This virus will come and go fast. My company will adjust to the changes. And Amber will be the woman that I fell in love with long ago. Everything will return to normal.
Those positive words filled my head, but none reached my heart.
Or is this all just wishful thinking?
I put on my mask, fixed my tie, and rose.
Welcome to the new normal.
Two hours later, I stepped on my condo building’s elevator. I had my laptop bag strapped over my right shoulder. Bags filled my arms. Lucky as fuck, I grabbed Amber and me a few more masks and plastic gloves from a corner store. They’d been the last set. I also bought some other necessities, including a six-pack of beer and her favorite wine.
I even stopped by our favorite café—Ferdinando’s. It was a famous Italian spot on Union street that had been around since 1904. So popular, Martin Scorsese filmed a scene from his movie The Departed right in the shop. There, I ordered two Panelle and Croquette Specials to-go with tomato sauce on the side. The Sicilian sandwich created a combo of fried chickpea patties and potato croquettes. They were served on a soft roll with parmesan and homemade ricotta cheese. Both provided different levels of crispy yumminess.
This will be good. We have food and alcohol. What could go wrong?
Getting off the elevator, I whistled Queen’s song, Under Pressure. For some reason, the damn tune had played in my head all day.