Journal of a Lockdown No. 9

I wrote with fountain pens and paper today. Click on the image to enlarge. 

The past few days have blended into what seems like an extended, perpetual weekend. Unless I looked at my calendar, I would not know what day it would be. I was, for instance, jolted at 4 AM by the realization that I had signed up for a webinar on cancer and COVID-19. I was relieved, in fact, to have been able to log in just in time. The house was quiet, my brother was in REM sleep (I could tell by his breathing), and, save for the computer glare, the room was dark. I did not stay too long to finish the teleconference.

But that happened days ago. Today, I checked, is a Saturday. After lunch, I am greeted--no, not that cheerful word--shocked by the news that a doctor about my age has died. Complications from a severe COVID-19 infection that hit him. His patient did not fully disclose her travel history. He passed away doing the work he had been called to do. I learn from my friends that he was a kind man, liked by everyone. He was his family's breadwinner. He put himself through college and med school by way of scholarships.

What happened to him could happen to us.

The best thing you can do is stay at home. If you need to consult with a physician, you may as well tell the whole truth.

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Inspired by Dr. Butch Dalisay's story, Penmanship, I decide to write a draft of today's entry in pen and paper. In case you're interested, my notebook is a Veco Linear Journal Notebook (7 x 10 inches), 100 GSM. The pens and inks are TWBSI Eco Rose Gold, broad nib (inked with Diamine Oxblood) and Kaweco 70's Soul, medium nib (inked with Pilot Iroshizuku Bishamonten, limited centennial edition).