As I drove through the empty streets of Pasadena, it felt surreal. The usually bustling city was eerily quiet, with only a handful of cars on the road. It was a strange sensation, like something out of a post-apocalyptic movie.

I finally arrived at the Venezuelan restaurant, and was greeted by the smell of delicious food wafting through the air. The owner greeted me warmly and I sat down to enjoy my meal, feeling grateful for the change of pace and the chance to get out of the house.

As I savored my empanadas and sipped on my coffee, I couldn’t help but think about how different this experience would have been on a normal day. The restaurant would have been packed with people, the noise level would have been overwhelming, and the wait for a table would have been long. But today, I had the place almost to myself, and it was a welcome change.

As I walked through the deserted streets of downtown Pasadena, I couldn’t shake the feeling of unease. The normally bustling city felt like a ghost town, with closed stores and empty sidewalks. It was a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle that I was used to.

As I made my way to the restaurant where I had ordered my lunch, I couldn’t help but notice the “take out only” signs posted on the doors of other restaurants. It was a reminder of the current state of the world and the impact that the pandemic has had on small businesses.

But as I walked into the restaurant, my mood lifted. The employees behind the counter greeted me with warm smiles and friendly chatter, despite the circumstances. It was a small act of kindness that made me feel appreciated and welcome.

I paid for my meal and made my way back home, taking my lunch and enjoying it while watching netflix for the rest of the day. It was a small reminder that even in the darkest of times, there are still moments of positivity and hope to be found. And for that, I was truly grateful.