It was the socks. After months in covid-19 isolation, black socks marked the return of something from Before the Pandemic.
Routines changed abruptly in March when the university where I work closed. As for many others, I spent four-plus months working from home, sheltering alone or with family.
The tally of stuff that sucks about pandemic isolation stretches longer than my 6-foot-3 frame. But there are benefits, including commute time to the home office.
And wearing shorts, sneakers and ankle-length white socks daily. For months. Even while working. And attending Zoom meetings.
Nothing beats the comfort of shorts and sneakers. Nothing.
I returned to the campus office about three weeks ago, first intermittently and then more regularly. With staffing light, I felt safe and still wore shorts and sneakers.
Until last week, when university classes resumed. Teaching in shorts and sneakers? Out came the trousers, office shoes – and black socks.
I noted the milestone while donning the socks. But their significance hit hardest Sunday morning when I sorted laundry for washing.
Socks. Two pair. Black.
A teensy taste of normal.
