By Don Tassone
At first, no one wanted to wear one. Masks were a nuisance. They were ugly, and you couldn’t make out people’s facial expressions. It was like living in a world of strangers.
But as the pandemic dragged on, people got used to wearing them. They even began to seek out masks with certain colors, shapes, and designs. Masks became fashionable. They made personal statements.
People grew attached to their masks. They were no longer an accessory. Masks had become part of people’s identity.
When the pandemic finally passed, few took off their masks for fear of not recognizing anyone, including themselves.
It’s a pleasure to read your stories, Don. Thought provoking, as always.
Oh, yes! Your story raises the immediate question, Who am I right now? with or without a mask. Your writing, Don, continually makes the reader think!
Nice try… 🙂
My lip-reading friend will have to try reading eyes (always a useful skill).
Eye reading might prove to be a useful adjunctive skill, but your lip-reading friend can now purchase special masks with a clear plastic “window” revealing the lips.
Yes – I’ve seen those. At least our writing group can all get one (although Zoom turns out to be ideal for lip-reading)
Clever!
Good job, Don!
Interesting. I like how simple and powerful it is. Especially the last paragraph.
Thank you all for your thoughtful comments.