I'm going to be the odd one out

I seem to be the only person for whom life is continuing as usual. Yes, the VHS (adult education college) has cancelled all courses until 19 April, which means I don't need to go out in the evenings to teach or take part in classes, but that is the case at Christmas, Easter and in the summer, too.  In the VHS holidays, I have no reason to leave the flat either.

I have that much work at present - and have had to turn down other offers - that I'm working 12-hour days. If I want to have some exercise, then I shoot out of the flat at 6.45 a.m. and do a brisk 5 km walk before starting work.

In the last week, I've received more phone calls than I get in a couple of months - mostly from people from my walking group. And what are my friends and relatives all doing? Cleaning. Sorting out drawers and cupboards, cleaning all the forgotten corners of their homes, scrubbing the kitchen until it sparkles, dusting, vacuuming...their homes don't know what's hit them.

And me? When the restrictions were announced a couple of weeks ago, I was delighted. I had various orders from different clients and not having any classes in the evenings took some of the pressure off me. I then had visions that, once everything had been delivered, I could take my flat in hand and give it some TLC (and do some reading). But no... as soon as one or two texts had been sent off, another one arrived to take their place.

On 20 April, when (I hope) the restrictions are lifted, people will be queuing up in front of my flat to see the one untidy, dusty, non-sparkling and sadly neglected home in all of Germany. I'm going to be a pariah.