
For visually challenged writers, the image shows a collection of toy people all gathered around a sign with the word “Community” on it

Well 15 months on and still the pandemic was causing havoc. Most people had to work from home. For many this meant long days and nights alone with a computer screen. For Pete it had become depressing, soul destroying.
He made sure he got out for at least an hour’s walk everyday, he used his exercise bike in the evening, had his shopping delivered and made sure he cooked good healthy food.
When he could, he’d get out and meet friends…… That had been impossible during the early lockdowns. Things were finally beginning to come together and ease for now ( no one could be sure what the the next few weeks could bring.)
Pete opened his daily meeting, only to be greeted by empty screens on mute. In the beginning everyone had been eager to join in the meetings, screens and sound on. Slowly they had all withdrawn.
“Come on guys I am bending over backwards to help you guys… For pity’s sake cut me me some slack!” Pete shouted.
Slowly screens filled with his techs and engineers and program architects.
He smiled “hi guys we have the big boss joing us today!”
Just then the boss appeared on his screen.
“Right guys we want you all back in the office for the end of September, three days a week.”
Pete could not control himself he jumped up clapping and cheering! It broke the ice everyone laughed! The boss smile and asked Pete was he pleased!
Pete thanked goodness an end was in sight and that he’d got dressed properly this morning.
Later that day when the team signed in for their next meeting they all looked askance at Pete’s square.. there was a white edged, grey, board with the word Community on it and infront a collection of five toy figures doing different things.
After a second or two Pete’s face appeared….”that’s us guys we are a team, we are a community! Keep those screens on , unmute your devices. Let’s communicate let’s rebond.”
********