That river made the ground rumble! I agree about the pandemic. It's a completely different world now, in good ways and bad. I see it as a kind of fracturing. It really helped to reframe it (in my mind) as a new beginning.
I'm so sorry to hear about this new round of Covid in your family. I hope they all have a quick recovery. It's practically disappeared from the news here in the U.S. but I know it's still lurking. You're smart for keeping your distance.
The story's been a lot of fun to work on! I hope you have a good Friday, Lizelle!