SUGAR QUEEN by SAMANTHA GOH It was just over 6 months ago that the COVID-19 pandemic took over the world. Many lives were lost. Everyone was in quarantine and isolation. The future was faced with uncertainties. For me, I was moving from Malaysia to Australia in December 2019. My husband is Australian and our 6-year-old twins were about to start their education in primary school. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis in Australia, international borders were closed to foreigners in February. Phase 1 was implemented, wherein all schools were closed from the 24th March until further notice. With schools closed, I was at home with my children everyday. My Mom lived on her own since my Dad passed away last year. We were not able to visit her because that was one of the restrictions imposed. It was a measure by the federal government to ensure that seniors, aged 70-years-old and above would not be infected by anyone. I missed her dearly and could only see her when restrictions eased in late May, a week after Mother’s Day. My husband goes to work because his work is essential and healthcare-related. We understood the risks that he might have going in, but he was very careful by keeping the 1.5-meter social distancing suggested in the office. Children were learning online from home for about 9 weeks. I had to come up with ideas to make learning interesting for them. Lots of arts and crafts projects kept them busy at home. Groceries were ordered online and dropped off contact free outside on the front porch. I chose to order my groceries online because there was a strange situation that started in the local supermarket;. apparently the pandemic created panic in consumers and toilet rolls appeared to...... Read more on Full Issue!