Friday Feb 14 last family dinner

Around the first of February 2020 Bobbie was chatting with Eddy about some upcoming birthdays. She was about to ask him if his twin boys wanted to have a party at home or at a venue when Eddy interrupted. “Have you been watching the news?”

“Yes, it sounds like there is a flu going around and I’m not sure how serious it is, but I saw amazing footage of the Chinese building a hospital in Whu Han China. They had countless pieces of big machinery and I marvelled at how fast it was built. If they are building whole new hospitals, it must be serious!”

“Exactly, this virus really concerns me, Mom. We think it’s actually worse than the flu and capable of really hurting and even killing people. We’re starting to see cases at the hospital already. We don’t really know how it is transmitted but it travels fast and Charlie and I would like to stay in a couple of your rooms to keep it away from the kids.”

Jen and Mac also worked at the hospital and Bobbie wondered how they would protect the kids if they were still working. “What about Jenny and Mac?”

Eddy said, “We expect it will take a few weeks for the illness to run its course so they’re taking some vacation time and the kids will stay there.”

“Oh Eddy” said Bobbie, “If you think it’s going to be that bad you can have a couple of rooms for sure.”

“Thanks Mom, Charlie and I will see you at dinner.”

Bobbie was always game to see the whole family. “Hey Eddy, I can get a big batch of spaghetti and garlic bread together, why not bring everyone along for a big Sunday dinner?”

Eddy agreed and said he would call Charlie and they would all be there by 5 o’clock. In the meantime, she checked the motel reservation website and reserved rooms 5 and 6 for her sons. Eddy and Charlie would like the continental breakfast in the morning and they could eat supper with her.

 Then she went into the kitchen and got her sauce out of the freezer and took three packs of spaghetti out of the pantry she also got out 3 loaves of frozen garlic bread dough and then got some cheese and apple cut up for a snack for Maddy who was sure to be waking up soon.

Bobbie’s phone dinged and she saw it was Jenny, asking if Bobbie needed anything and Bobbie texted back that she didn’t have any dessert and to pick up something the kids would like. Jenny sent back a thumbs up and an ice cream emoji. Bobbie wondered if she would bring Mac too. Probably.

Maddy came wandering out and Bobbie went over and picked up the sleepy 2.5-year-old. She noted that her bottom was dry so she whispered, “You’re all dry, let’s see if you can have a tinkle.” They went into the bathroom and Maddy insisted that Bobbie lift her onto the toilet. When they were done, Maddy was more awake and very excited to hear her cousins were coming for dinner. They went back to the kitchen where she had her snack and Maddy told Bobbie that she and Suzy were going to play lots of games.

Bobbie gave Maddy her breakfast juice and yogurt popsicle and set her in front of cartoons in the theatre room.

Then she called Trixie. “Hi Trixie, is Greg wining and dining you for Valentines Day?”

“I don’t think so. As far as I know he’s in London and trying to get back here but the airlines are backing up and he’s having trouble.”

“Well, you must come here for dinner. I’m having everyone over. Charlie and Eddy are moving into one of my rooms because of the big flu, they don’t want to get the kids sick or anything.”

“Perfect, I’ll call Barb.”

Everyone arrived around 5 and Bobbie was just taking the garlic bread out of the oven. Bobbie had no idea that that would be the last big family get together for a while.

Trixie and Barb arrived with a box of wine and Trixie looked a little worried.

“Europe is experiencing high rates of the flu and are starting quarantine and closing businesses (lock-down) and the virus has a name; COVID. ‘CO’ stands for corona, ‘VI’ for virus, and ‘D’ for disease. Greg managed to get on a flight but he feels sick so he’s heading right home and doesn’t want me to go back until he’s better.”

Bobbie frowned. “Oh, that’s awful. You can stay here with me. You should call someone to bring your stuff.”

“Thanks Bobbie, I have to go talk to Charlie about this virus and see how bad it is.”

Mac and Jenny arrived and Mac gave her flowers and a bottle of wine. “I appreciate how difficult it is to have me here.”

Mac stayed in the kitchen with Jen and Bobbie and Eddy and Charlie were in the theatre roughhousing with the kids.

Trixie was talking to Charlie and Eddy when Bobbie served dinner. She looked thoughtful all through the meal. They finished and Bobbie heard the elevator ding.

It was Greg’s sister-in-law Vanessa. Trixie went to meet her. “Greg made it home and went straight into his suite. He said no one is allowed to come in and we needed to leave him meals at the door. He also wanted lots of nighttime sinus medication, he says he’s going to sleep himself better. I had someone pack a bag for you before he got in there. I hope it has most of what you need. You’re not on any medication, are you?”

Trixie shook her head and thanked Vanessa and went off to call Greg.

Bobbie invited Vanessa in for some wine and cheese and they chatted at the island until Trixie returned.

“Greg sounds awful. He’s promised to stay hydrated and get a good sleep and I’ll call him tomorrow.”

The next day Greg had to go to the hospital as he was having real trouble breathing. Trixie was glued to her phone. Charlie advised her not to go to the hospital. Greg was the first case of full-blown COVID in Crow Harbour and they didn’t know how it spread so he couldn’t have visitors.

Trixie was inconsolable but Johnny and Bobbie distracted her with writing a script for her financial podcast. Rocco’s new assistant Millie had decided not to play the “you’re hired” game but actually pitched an idea for an episode about women in trades. Trixie was busy researching hiring and pay rates for women in the trades and she arranged to meet with Millie.

For the next week her sons would come from work and shower and come in to the Bobbie’s apartment for dinner. Maddy was happy to have Trixie and Gramma Great and her uncles to herself. She visited her Gramma Great every day.

It was short lived. After that week they decided the virus was too unpredictable and dangerous for Bobbie and Maddy, so Bobbie began dropping off plates at her son’s hotel room doors.

Business was still brisk at lunch and tea but the number of guests was starting to drop off. Charlie told Bobbie that the virus could stay alive for a short time on surfaces so hand washing was stepped up and strictly enforced. The staff had fewer guests but extra cleaning duties.