Dearest Auntie,

How are you

Hoping all is well

How have you been

Is everyone treating you okay

Have you found another scrabble buddy over there

Wherever you are, I know you are looking out for me and Grace.

It’s been year since you left us. . .

I am going to make this short and sweet. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you. Wishing you were here. I miss our scrabble marathons, talking and gossiping about relatives, your neighbors, and watching TV. I miss our disagreements about politics and life in general. A lot has happened since the last time we’ve chatted. I don’t even know where to start.

First off, we are facing a war at the moment. This upheaval had nothing to do with guns or nuclear bombs. It’s an invisible killer There’s a virus that’s been going around the world and wreaking havoc like crazy. Oh Auntie, it is a completely different world we live in now. We now have a new term on social responsibility called social distancing. It was coined by health officials to help curb the spread of the virus. We have to be least 6 feet apart from each other. The virus is clinically termed COVID-19. The internet is rife with conspiracy theories where it came from, whether it was a biological weapon to break down governments at the will of a higher power, why is this disease worse than the others (SARS, Hanta, et al) and a whole lot of other stuff that will drive one crazy. If you were around, we probably won’t be able to get together as much considering your COPD. I hope I am healthy enough and not be able to catch the disease. I’ve been careful but then you never know. We still don’t know how long this virus is airborne and there’s no vaccine in sight. . .

Am here in Davao now as a full time writer and internet agitator. Social media is never going to be the same with me in the fray for being a rabble rouser. There’s tons of content to peruse through at the moment so I am sure I have your approval. I might even start a youtube channel on god knows what. I am also trying to finish a poetry book and a novel. So many distractions as well. I’ve never seen so much need for gay daddies here in Davao. Ha ha ha ha. I swear these boys have no control on their libido. I try not to give them money. But for now, with this pandemic in play, it’s going to be social distancing. Staying home can be boring but I try and cope. Writing is my lover and friend at the moment.

I say a prayer in the morning when I wake up and before I sleep, Auntie. I am not much of a religious person but I have faith and belief that all will be well. I am sure you hear me call your name out for guidance. I would think that what I decide on anything has you whispering into my ear about it.

So take care and hoping to hear from you. I wish you the best wherever you are.

Love always,

Jojo