Dear Elango Uncle and family, ©

    The past 5 days have been ones of unexpected confusion and fear. The past 5 days have been ones of unprecedented darkness and frigidness.  The excitement of the snow on Sunday soon gave way to chapped lips and numb toes which unsurprisingly led to irritation. I think it’s not false of me to say that Monday February 15, a day I looked forward to as a break from school, was hell. A very cold hell. Noon passed and then came the evening. The time of day in which the sun, and all its heat begins to retire. 

Right then was when we began to lose it. It was when irritation and uncomfort gave way to anger. At this peak of hopelessness was when a family I’ve only seen a handful of times, your family, picked up the phone and called my father to ask him how we were doing. It was then that the open invitation to a warmer, more resourceable house was sent out, hurling at us as a beacon. Now, my father stalled. He stalled as much as possible, unwilling to leave the familiar solace of our home and barge into another- unwilling to impose on another family who was also experiencing similar difficulties. 

Eventually, he relented and the entire house was a flurry of packing and shoving clothes into bags. We drove impossibly slow, but we got there. The entire atmosphere was different; optimism replaced anxiety and friendly banter took the place of hopelessness. The entire situation was weird to say the least, but the way it brought 4 families, 2 of whom I have never seen in my life before, together in an awkwardless manner was stunning. Ananya and Dhanya had the time of their lives, the three days being an extended sleepover than a natural calamity. My parents were introduced to new people and were able to unite with others in this worrying time. I, on the other hand, was quite lonely. There were no children there my age and I myself distanced myself many times in an attempt to work on school studies. 

 However on countless occasions, even when my parents left me to my silent brooding, you came over and invited me to go out in the snow, play cards, do a talent show, and even dance to one of my favorite songs. Despite my initial refusals, I did end up doing all of these things, and as much as I loathe to admit, they were very fun. In a time where panic reigned, smiles and laughter were introduced. You even got me to focus on something other than homework for an entire day and that is nothing short of a miracle. 

Now I say thank you. Thank you to you Elango uncle for offering a warm place to stay, making it fun, and helping us all get through this in a very smooth, calm manner. Thank you Selvi aunty and all the other aunties for the warm food that never failed to land itself on a plate in front of me. I even thank Yalini and Mithran for making my sisters feel at home and keeping them engaged in crazy shenanigans. The food was amazing, the place was warming, and the card game and impromptu dance party, though I didn’t take full participation, were exhilarating. They were the perfect distractions from the icey crisis outside. 

The past 5 days have been of unexpected fun and relaxation. The past 5 days have been ones of an unprecedented staycation, and I believe that as difficult as it was, it was a necessary lesson on how we take not only technology and electricity for granted, but also people. Putting up with my dad through college must have been weird and difficult, but I’m glad you did since it all led to a crazy, yet happy time these few days. 

Sincerely, 

Shreya Venkatachalam