The Mask

The winter germs this year have been unrelenting. Minika seems to be sick every week and I’m not far behind her. I sat at my desk this morning with my usual sniffle and cough when suddenly the teacher who sits next to me thrust a mask into my hands. I had no choice but to wear it!

For those unfamiliar with this Japanese way these masks are worn by people

1) who are sick and don’t want to spread germs and
2) by people who are healthy and don’t want to get sick

Getting sick is not an option especially for teachers as they are so busy. I have not managed to get my head around the Japanese way of going to work when you are really sick and spreading your germs. I don’t care if it makes me look bad here. If I can’t talk, am coughing myself stupid, have a bad stomach and a raging headache I will call in sick!

Until things get that bad – I’m stuck with the mask!