Early on I made a mask,

Painstakingly embroidering a big red smile on the front. Where did that mask go? Where did those sentiments go?

My 7 year-old granddaughter wore her first

not-halloween mask in September, 2020.

I had to go to Home Depot.

She had to go with me.

I wasn't sure i should even be there,

but I was desperate.

We wandered the aisles.

I looked down at her and saw her contentedly chewing

a wet and soggy mask.

I cringed.

Quickly found what I needed and got in line.

I looked down again.

Her mask was now on inside out and upside down.

Just like my world.

Rochelle is a long-time writer, a reluctant submittor, a former newspaper reporter, public relations hack, creative director, creative parent and grandparent, and almost as important -- a mediocre but spirited basketball player at Evanston's Levy Center.