We’re All The Same Really

(In a Covid-19 context. Email chat.)

“You know I’m like you. I like talking to strangers.

“So, I’m avoiding getting close to this woman and her dog when I hear this woodpecker going for it in the woods over the way. And this woman stopped and she was listening to it too.

“And we ended up talking about it being quieter now so you can hear more. And how that’s good.

“And yes, before you ask, this was staying the length of a car away from each other like you’re supposed to. With me in the road. Good job there’s no traffic about.

“Anyway, she started saying something about it being good if people come to hear stuff more and notice stuff more and all that as a result of the lock down.

“And I can’t remember how the conversation went precisely but I said something about how I agreed with her and how we’re all pretty similar really – that we’d all gain from noticing more. And after a little pause she said she thought I was right.

“And from there she went on to say she was from Lithuania and had only lived in Britain for – I think she said – 11 years, but yes, she thought Brits were a lot like people back home.

“Well, as you know, I’ve known a couple of Lithuanians over the years and so I could tell her that, you know, hand on heart, […] And that was nice. And she liked that.

“And you know, it struck me, that all only happened because of Covid.”