On a mission early this evening, I walked the near empty streets toward my friend’s small store. Normally I would walk past the taco stands always busy with hungry souls, kids on laps or close by, mostly locals enjoying yummy finger food; ah tacos, fast easy and satisfying. But not tonight. Most of the businesses in my small town, here in Mexico, are closed. Not all, but most.

So it is quiet and the feeling I have is bittersweet. I enjoy my town when the tourists have headed north but I know the summer months are hard when there is less traffic. The ebb comes early due to the looming threat of the global pandemic. The sweet feeling I have is knowing my friends are closing shop and staying home. I am proud of my community for seeing the seriousness of current events.