Reopening seemed like a far future. Thinking that I would get two seats by myself in the train, I walked into the train to New York. I walked through the aisle realizing that all seats were full without distancing each other. Originally, due to covid, everyone would have to sit every other seat. It was the first time getting on the plane after the restrictions have lifted. It was ironic that I enjoyed those restrictions, of course only on the train rides, and that it made me feel very uncomfortable sitting right next to a stranger.
Train rides from Boston to home, at first, was such a boring, long train ride that made me extremely tired. But after going back and forth many times, I came to enjoy the time I get to myself. Being cozy in the corner seat, watching my favorite shows, it was sort of healing in some way. Now that restrictions are lifted, I am not sure how I’ll feel about the train rides. It is hard to believe that it took over a year for things to normalize. It’s harder to believe how much we’ve all gotten used to the changes. It’s weird seeing everyone not wear masks on the street.
