A letter from March 24th, 2020

Dear Me (you?), Hi! It's me, well just me from March 2020. How's life going? You are 17, now!?!? That's crazy. Right now, I am (you are) 14 years old and in Year 9. For the first (and maybe not only) time. Everything is so uncertain at the moment because of coronavirus. Do you remember that? We are only in early stages but on track to be like Italy. My school (and most of the other schools) hasn't closed down yet and I'm not self-isolating. We are all hoping (Mum, Dad, Claire and I) that we live through this. How long were you in self-isolation at home and is social distancing still a thing? We think we will probably be in isolation between 3 to 6 months. That's what the prime minister thinks. Let's hope not. Life is ok at the moment, other than coronavirus. I finally worked up the courage to break up with Jude. I didn't really like him in the end. I just feel bad that I did it over text. Are we still friends? Or maybe we are together now. If you just got over a breakup, remember, you are beautiful, smart and kind, no matter what anyone else says about you. Make time for your sister (yeah, that girl who must be from Mars who was born with a pink camera for you) and stop arguing with your mother about everything. She is there to help you. Make sure you leave time for dad and stop arguing with him too. So, what's going on? Do you have a boyfriend? I don't (yet). Who is still alive? I'm guessing Bing Bong isn't. I hope you miss her if she isn't here anymore. She is (was?) an amazing person with everything intact. She was also always super grumpy ;). Who is your best friend/s? I don't think Ashleigh will probably be my best friend for much longer... her and Amber seem 'made for each other.' Its so hard to talk to Ash about anything because Amber is soooo amazing and ALWAYS there. Whatever... I reckon Alexis might be a good friend. You never know though. At the moment, my household is so financially unstable. Did Dad find a good job that he enjoys? Is Mum still a kindy teacher? Please, future me, tell me that i have a job and drivers license. That will give me soo much more independence. Oh, do I have a dog? Do you remember Cookie? I still wish we had her, but I guess we never will :(. Well, hope you are having a great day. Study hard, but not too hard. Always remember that wherever you are today, or tomorrow, or in the next 30 years, I will always be proud of you. 14 year old me loves you and hope you still love me. I hope this is a super pleasant surprise! Also, write me back, you know. Just so I know you care :). Hugs and kisses, Me