My desk mate came down with conjunctivitis this week. She missed school two days ago, and although she hasn't fully recovered, she returned to class today with visibly red eyes.
When she first returned, everyone was surprised, especially me. I was so hesitant that I didn't dare look at her or let others look at her, and I even asked classmates if she was better, only to be told, "No, look at her eyes." I stopped talking after C quietly whispered, "Stop bringing it up." I thought it was wise of C, as she is my friend. Later, I looked at her again and realized her eyes were indeed very red. During class, I became so accustomed to our closeness that I forgot about her illness. I leaned over to ask her math questions, and despite the warnings that touching her things could spread the infection, I shared my stationery and even thought about using a tissue to help her wipe her eyes.
After school, while walking downstairs with PT, he acted quite alarmed. He warned me not to touch her and told me to go home and disinfect everything to avoid catching it. Q also joined in with jokes, though I knew they were just teasing.
Hearing people talk about the isolation, the pain, and the inability to attend school made me feel quite terrified. Once I got home, I immediately used eye drops and drank some herbal tea.
To be honest, I am quite scared of catching it. However, I value our friendship even more. In our class, we have always stood by each other, studying and facing challenges together. Because of that bond, I momentarily forgot the risk of contagion. I truly hope I don't catch it.
