I’m not a person who suffers from paranoia. I like a good conspiracy theory as well as anyone, but I generally don’t believe them. When I returned home on my last day of work, I noticed the orange sign announcing “Road work ahead.” I was certain I’d fallen into the center of a secret plot by some unknown government agency developed to drive everyone in the neighborhood crazy. I’ve had enough of Construction During the New Normal.
The strange hieroglyphic markings they left on the street signaled a return visit. I choose to ignore the strange markings because they appeared to move on to other parts of the city. That proved to be my first mistake. Therefore, I will take a few minutes to discuss the return of construction during the New Normal.
If you will remember, a massive army consisting of construction guys wearing yellow vests invaded our neighborhood during our last lockdown. They brought with them a plethora of heavy equipment, loud noise, and daily inconveniences. They blocked off streets to do their work, sometimes trapping us and preventing travel. They’ve returned and are working overtime.
The first reason I believe construction during the new normal is part of a conspiracy plot
The gas utility company decided to install new gas meters. They claim it is for our convenience, and the new meters will be more efficient. It might even lower our monthly bill, but I don’t believe the reason they are replacing every gas meter in the city for one second. I also wonder what sort of sadistic organization would send an army of construction workers with their heavy equipment and noise to a residential neighborhood in the middle of a pandemic.
The second reason I believe construction during the new normal is part of a conspiracy plot
There was a mysterious thing about the gas line replacement during the last shutdown. There are two low income neighborhoods in our small city. People refer to these sections as “the hood.” These areas, inhabited by low-income working-class people and single moms, aren’t prone to making complaints. I live in one of these areas, and I noticed a strange coincidence. The same road closures and heavy equipment were happening in a different hood five blocks away.
Why gas lines weren’t replaced in the section of our city where the wealthy people live. The only answer I could come up with is those individuals wouldn’t have stood for it, not in the middle of a pandemic.
Also, the construction isolated our communities from the rest of the city. A trip to the pharmacy proved to be an adventure navigating an obstacle course. A short twenty-minute drive home from work could take an hour. (Yes, people in my neighborhood worked during the shutdown unless furloughed due to Covid-19.
The third reason I believe construction during the new normal is part of a conspiracy plot
The timing couldn’t be worse. COVID-19 rates are climbing in our area. There’s talk of a big lockdown after Thanksgiving. I’ll be spending most of my days between my four walls even if the state doesn’t issue another stay at home order. I don’t know if I can take another couple of months living with the dust and noise these guys bring with them.
Construction Update
Thankfully, the crew only stuck around for a couple of days. They grated up sections of the street, sprayed it with a solution of tar, and then they paved those places with asphalt. I’m happy they left, but I fear they will be back like Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Terminator. A spike in COVID-19 should happen any day now. They will make their return as soon as we are in lockdown mode. When you find yourself living in the middle of a real-life conspiracy theory, it’s hard to remain optimistic. I’m going to outsmart them this time around. I plan to take myself over to the mall before the hoarding starts and the stores shut down and purchase the best pair of earplugs money can buy.
Who is Molly Shea?
Who is Molly Shea?
Molly Shea is an accomplished fictional short story writer from Indiana who writes short stories and novels about a fictional town called Tecumseh. To read more of her short stories and adventures, click here.
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Stay safe, Molly. Just a little bit longer and this will be over.