Things I’ve Lost During the Quarantine reflects on our loss that we endure throughout four months after the first COVID-19 outbreak in Indonesia.

We all lost something—an opportunity, a relationship, or even a family. We’ve become familiar with anger, loneliness, and sorrow. Our feelings and expectations have been continuously trampled to the grounds, leaving nothing but painful memories. 

But the truth is, the barren lands are where things learn to preserve. Maybe now you can’t go outside and see cars passing through the streets. Maybe you can’t meet your ex to ask for forgiveness. Maybe you can’t visit your favorite food stalls anymore.

But you can write. You can draw. You can create whatever you’ve been struggling to put your head around and it’d be as cathartic as getting back together. Or finding a new job. Or finally meeting your family again.

Sometimes the only way to alleviate your burden is to simply put it out.