After snoozing the morning alarm for the fifth time in a space of 5 minutes, I manage to finally get out of bed at the early hour of 10:50 am. A tough, mental battle ensues as I'm tempted to lie back down and spend the next half-hour or so enjoying a short power nap. But I know something is awaiting me...
As I'm brushing my teeth I scroll through my phone, checking emails, catching up on social media, and looking through my crypto portfolio. So far, everything’s shaping up to be a decent day. I check the time. It’s already 10:58?! The main event of the day is nearly underway. Absolutely everyone’s talking about it. Without doubt the most popular morning show of the second-half of this year. There’s absolutely no way I can afford to be late for the start.
I run to the other side of the house, switch the TV on and breathe a sigh of relief. It hasn’t started yet, thank goodness. My brain is working harder than ever as I try to channel my inner-Nostradamus to correctly calculate the number of overnight COVID cases in NSW to uselessly brag to my family and friends that I was right all along.
More importantly though, I fire up the Sportsbet app to predict what colour blazer Gladys will be rocking in today’s press conference. After numerous, highly in-depth consultations with my gambling addict mates, much to their disappointment, I decide to play it safe for once. After all, I'm desperate to get one right after all those failed multis.
11:00 AM: Any second now, for the moment we’ve all been waiting over. Gladys should now appear on our screens. But not just yet. Hmm, not quite ready it seems.
11:02 AM: It’s taking a bit longer than usual, maybe Gladys and Dr Chant are stuck in traffic. But no worries, after all, good things come to those who wait.
11:05 AM: Ok, that’s it. Enough is enough. There’s definitely something wrong. After a quick Google search, it seems my worst nightmare has been confirmed. No! Surely not. How could this be?
“NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian cancels daily COVID press conference…”
I start to feel the beads of sweat form on my forehead as the stress, anxiety, and uncertainty of this situation begins to consume me. My heavy breathing cannot stop as I contemplate what to do for the rest of the day, and how I'll be able to operate.
After what seemed like an eternity, the only thing that was consistent, reliable, and most importantly guaranteed in my daily life during COVID lockdown has ended.
What will news outlets endlessly recycle now?
Whose blazers will I bet on?
What will I now use to initiate small-talk?
What's going to dictate my mental state for the rest of the day?
What the fuck do I do now?
Writer's Bio: Junyoung An is a second-year Commerce/Economics student. He is a spicy food fiend, YouTube binge-watching addict, and professional procrastinator. If you ever see him on campus, feel free to say hi and fiercely debate the best way to make instant ramen, give him recommendations for Sydney's best dessert spots, or talk about how good (or bad) Man Utd are doing this season.
