It was a game-changer when the government told us the virus lived for several hours in the cool air of a summer breeze. We didn't have to be told to lock-down.

We duct-taped our vents and the edges of our windows, but we let the sunlight through, giving us a sliver of hope that someday we'd be able to plunge into the sapphire sky.

By summer's end, I caved. "I'm going outside and dare anyone to stop me!"

My wife grabbed me around the legs until I almost dragged her out the door. I kicked her away. "I'm sorry. I don't want to hurt you, but I'm going to prove everything's okay."

But I was wrong.

I ran down the empty street, sucking fresh air into my lungs. Sirens sounded and the flashing lights of cruisers blinded me. They tackled me to the ground.

It was worth it.