Flight

At the end of January, the Gymnast went to Europe for a three-month unscripted vacation.  She made it to Amsterdam, Frankfurt, parts of France, and Switzerland before the virus ruined her plans.  Two weeks ago, I texted her.

Bathwater:  How is the virus affecting your trip?  What country are you in now?

Gymnast: France and it's not too bad.  Just can't go to some of the places we wanted to.

Bathwater: It is gonna get worse.  If you get stuck over there, just make sure it is somewhere nice and warm.

Gymnast: You think I will get stuck?

Bathwater: If the numbers keep increasing, they will start restricting travel.  Just be smart and keep your eyes and ears open.

Gymnast:  I have two months left!.  I hope I can make it.

Bathwater:  Enjoy it.  Just have an exit plan in the back of your mind.

Monday, I checked in on her again.

Bathwater:  Where are you at now?

Gymnast: In Frankfurt.

Bathwater: You keeping up with the news?  Italy is basically shutting down.  The other countries will follow.

Gymnast: I need an escape route.  Just didn't plan for this.

Bathwater: Are you escaping to home or deeper into Europe?

Gymnast: Trying to go back home.

Bathwater: So what exactly are you trying to do? Leave now?

Gymnast: Or go somewhere in the US for a bit.  Might go to my grandma's in Florida.

Bathwater: As much as you hate the place, Michigan is one of the states without any confirmed cases (now we have three in the metro Detroit area).

I'd say get back to the states, then plan where you want to go.  Keep in touch.

Wednesday morning, I checked in on her again.

Bathwater:  Did you get a ticket back to the US yet?

Gymnast:  Not yet.

Bathwater: You just procrastinating, or is there other issues?

Gymnast:  Didn't really budget this in my plan, waiting for prices to drop.

Bathwater:  That's risky.  When the cases reach about 3000 in a country over there, things tend to tip.  How much you need to get back?

Gymnast:  Tickets are around $600.

Bathwater:  I can send you the money.  You can pay me back.  I think you should get out of there.

Gymnast: It's okay.  They don't have travel bans in Germany yet.  I don't like owing money.

Bathwater: I wouldn't hold it over your head.  You need help, let me know.

Gymnast: I do appreciate it and will let you know, but I should be fine.

Bathwater: Famous last words from the girl whose nickname is trouble.

Then Wednesday night.

Bathwater:  Okay, the President just announced he is cutting off travel from Europe for 30 days beginning Friday.  It is time to make a decision.

Gymnast:  I bought tickets to get out.