The unexpected call ipso facto erased the joy from his face. His 9-year-old nephew was sitting on his lap, laughing out loud at so much tickling. But that ringing stopped the fun and also the kisses and hugs, those that in the distance, just imagining them, heal the soul.

He had arrived at the place a few minutes ago, after many months longing for the reunion, and the news that he tested positive for COVID-19 left him paralyzed. He looked at the little boy's innocent face and wanted, literally, to disappear. A harsh regret came to him for giving in to his sister's request and going to see them before returning to the country where he now resides. His first test was negative and the delay in diagnosing the second was almost a certainty for him.

And that moment was just the beginning of what he defines as the worst nightmare of his life. He tells me that he returned immediately to the house and there the health personnel and the ambulance were waiting to take him to the province of Holguín. “I was only thinking of my grandmother and other family members with whom I had a closer contact,” he says after a short but deep sigh.

In the small hospital room, he felt more than the strong smell of disinfectant or reactions to medications. Alone with his consciousness, fear, despair, and anguish crept into his skin. Thoughts were coming together very quickly; as he eagerly awaited the diagnosis of his contacts.

Finally, the confirmation came from several of his relatives, including some with whom he never had a direct relationship, so the world did come downhill for him. “I had panic attacks, couldn't get to sleep and could barely drink water.

“There were patients with residence in different countries and some of them, elderly people. I was devastated, but I didn't stop encouraging them. You realize that it doesn't matter how much you own; we were mere human beings exposed to a virus with the great fear of having infected our family.”

Soon after, his grandmother, aunt, and mother were transferred to the same hospital, right in front of his cubicle. Although separated, they knew they were very close and shared hopeful messages. He tells me that he asked them to show their hands through the window; that sign was a real balm.

“My grandmother, who is the oldest, had no complications or even symptoms. This was not the case with my uncle who is diabetic and was reported as a critic, luckily he is already well. But I still have the feeling that the cell phone will ring and they will give me the bad news.”
In the midst of this difficult situation, he did not lack the support of doctors, nurses and service personnel. He did not recognize the physiognomy of those "masked persons", but he did recognize their professionalism and absolute dedication. And he, too, does not forget the loving voice of the one in charge of bringing them food. "I appreciate the professionalism, determination and affection of those who assisted me."

***

This young man, in his early 30s, agreed to narrate his experience from anonymity because, he says, “the main thing is that other people do not repeat my story, that it could be that of so many travelers.

“People do not have the perception of risk, and I recognize that I did not have it either, and that mistake cost me a lot of suffering. I felt confident with the result of the first PCR; and although I didn't have parties, all this pain could be avoided. It is indescribable what one feels when endangers beloved people.”

“At that time, not a few reject you and even judge you; the same people who walk without a mask on the streets or do not comply with the hygienic measures, without realizing that the risk is anywhere. I think the most important thing is that we all take responsibility for our bit because this disease is not a game."

It is the advice of someone who suffered the COVID-19 firsthand and has not yet recovered from the psychological consequences.