The Essentials: Inside the Curve ABC News

In Everett, Washington, where the first known case of COVID-19 was reported in the United States, 48-year-old Cassie Franklin says she has had to make decisions she never thought she'd have to. As the mayor of that city, with 112,000 people to answer to, she says over these past few months, she has felt overwhelmed, angry, frustrated and depressed -- and rotates between those emotions throughout the day. Franklin, who is also a mother to an 11-year-old daughter, says she feels for the younger generation, especially those who are graduating high school this year. Through audio journals provided to ABC News, hear how Franklin says her Youth Advisory Board has been giving her hope during this time. Especially in the wake of George Floyd's death, Franklin says she's been inspired by how the younger generation has spoken out against racism.

"The Essentials: Inside the Curve" is a special series from ABC Audio, makers of the daily ABC News podcast "Start Here," the chart-topping series "The Dropout," and more: http://www.abcaudio.com/podcasts
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With more than 120 of her co-workers having died from COVID-19, 44-year-old New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority bus operator Mia House says she counts her blessings every day. In March, House started to feel sick. She eventually tested positive for coronavirus and took four weeks off to recover before returning to work. Even though House says the job can be stressful, she's thankful that she and her husband have been able to continue working during these times. Through audio journals provided to ABC News, House says she hopes this pandemic has humbled people and that she greatly appreciates passengers who go out of their way to say "thank you."

"The Essentials: Inside the Curve" is a special series from ABC Audio, makers of the daily ABC News podcast "Start Here," the chart-topping series "The Dropout," and more: http://www.abcaudio.com/podcasts
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Thirty-six-year-old New York City veterinarian Erin Kulick has spent the past months performing essential procedures on pets whose owners are now home and paying more attention to their companions. But being part of the essential workforce has also exposed her and her colleagues at Long Island City Veterinary Center to COVID-19. Dr. Kulick contracted the virus, and she says fighting the illness forced her to face her own mortality. And with more time at home to recover, the mother of a 1-year-old son also candidly questions her parenting skills. Through audio journals provided to ABC News, Dr. Kulick shares the emotions of serving an animal-loving community and the sadness of not being able to comfort pet owners with a hug when their beloved companions die.

"The Essentials: Inside the Curve" is a special series from ABC Audio, makers of the daily ABC News podcast "Start Here," the chart-topping series "The Dropout," and more: http://www.abcaudio.com/podcasts
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Officer Torrey Rowe, who works the night shift for the police department in Edmond, Oklahoma, says that while the opioid epidemic has been a huge problem in her state for some time, she’s responded to multiple overdose calls in just the last couple of weeks. One of those was fatal. Through audio journals provided to ABC News, the 34-year-old police officer talks about how the pandemic has created new challenges for law enforcement, even for her community’s youngest citizens. She recently responded to a call where a 7-year-old was having a hard time being cooped up. Officer Rowe looks forward to the days when she can run charity 5Ks and go to KISS concerts again, but she describes how -- even while at risk -- she is committed to her job, calling her community “amazing.”

"The Essentials: Inside the Curve" is a special series from ABC Audio, makers of the daily ABC News podcast "Start Here," the chart-topping series "The Dropout," and more: http://www.abcaudio.com/podcasts
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As a food delivery driver in Elkhart, Indiana, 34-year old Wendy Reynolds says she used to have to struggle to get work picking up orders. Today, she works 14-hour shifts, sometimes unable to find a public restroom the whole time, running her car into the ground trying to keep up with orders coming from people waiting at home for their meal deliveries. Reynolds, a mother of two, pays out of her own pocket to stay in Airbnb rentals and hotels while she works in order to protect her children and parents. Through audio journals provided to ABC News, Reynolds shares her reasons for putting herself at risk during long, lonely days for sometimes very little money.

"The Essentials: Inside the Curve" is a special series from ABC Audio, makers of the daily ABC News podcast "Start Here," the chart-topping series "The Dropout," and more: http://www.abcaudio.com/podcasts
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"I had a coworker today ask me today 'are we essential or are we sacrificial'?" While the 54-year-old grocery store worker finds joy in serving his Maryland community, he says he and his colleagues worry every day about being on the front lines. Jeff Reid says one of the perks of his job is getting to know the people who come into his store and being able to put a smile on their faces. Through audio journals shared with ABC News, Reid talks about how he gets through each day staying vigilant in his efforts to protect himself and his family - citing vitamins and prayer as a big part - while also providing a vital service to his community, working tirelessly to make sure shelves are stocked every day with essential items.

"The Essentials: Inside the Curve" is a special series from ABC Audio, makers of the daily ABC News podcast "Start Here," the chart-topping series "The Dropout," and more: http://www.abcaudio.com/podcasts
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