The Most Barren Year

The Most Barren Year

Chinese New Year in 2020 was the most desolate year of my life, without a doubt.

There were no firecrackers, no family members, no delicious food, no warm wishes.

Alone, in a room, I spent my life in solitude for seven days.

Those seven days truly felt like a countdown to death.

I had planned to return home a little later this year, but when I went to the station to collect my luggage, I was told that our small town had also been diagnosed with a patient, and all public transportation in the county was suspended. Roads were blocked, villages were sealed off.

I was stranded, unable to return.

Half a year of hard work to earn money, hoping for this reunion, but it was all in vain. I was disappointed, although I didn't cry, my heart was already pouring with rain.

I've never liked city New Years, and especially not during this special period, everyone is isolated.

Even normal New Years weren't appealing, let alone this one. Everything felt the same.

In the past, I could hear the sound of firecrackers in the distance, but this year, all firecrackers are banned across the country, and there are none.

I always wanted to go to the countryside for Chinese New Year.

I never thought I would spend the holiday in the city.

I spent seven days isolated in the room, eating noodles and rice.

The city felt like it had died. It was silent, with no sound.

My heart was filled with sorrow.

Amidst the despair, there was a glimmer of hope. I vowed to take a vacation early next year to go home.