Since I came to Canada in 2022, I’ve had constant issues with dry skin—especially my lips. This time, it was worse than usual. The corners of my mouth cracked, turned into wounds, and got infected.
I had to use ointment for a week, and when it healed, I felt so relieved. But only a few days later, it came back. Now I’m on oral medication for five days. I’ve had to make three separate online doctor’s appointments just to deal with it.
The hardest part was making a late-night trip to the pharmacy to pick up the new meds. I couldn’t wait until the next day because the pain was unbearable.
Luckily, I had recently switched to a pharmacy closer to my place that stays open until midnight.
Even so, going out at night alone felt scary. The pharmacy wasn’t far, but I had never walked through that area before. The streets had lights, cars, buses, and some people around, but being by myself while sick made me uneasy. Back home, my parents or relatives were always there whenever I was sick.
I even ended up taking the medicine while waiting for the bus. The taste instantly took me back to childhood, when my parents or relatives would comfort me while I recovered. Now, there’s no one here—just me.
It was a bittersweet moment, realizing how far I am from the warmth and comfort of my family. But it also reminded me that I need to take care of myself, even when it’s hard, because no one else will. And I have to be strong—not just for me, but so my family back home won’t worry, knowing they can’t be here to help my physically.
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