Once upon a time, in a land where millennials and Gen Z were on a quest for the legendary home ownership, a peculiar twist in the tale emerged. As the story goes, for years, these youngsters diligently prayed for a miracle to tackle the ever-elusive housing crisis. They imagined a world where homes sprang up like wildflowers in spring, easily attainable and plentiful. Little did they know the universe, with its peculiar sense of humor, was about to deliver a plot twist in March of 2020.

Along came a global pandemic, tailor-made, it seemed, to specifically target the elder generation, Boomers. These Boomers, of course, were known for their habit of hoarding houses like squirrels hoarding acorns. It seemed like an odd coincidence and perhaps an answer to prayers, opening up opportunities for the younger crowd to finally step onto the elusive property ladder. But alas, common sense and compassion prevailed, and the cry of “wear a mask, save grandma” took over the land.

One can only imagine what would have transpired had the younger generations exchanged their masks for real estate ambitions. Instead of “flattening the curve,” they might have flattened the obstacle standing between them and suburban bliss. Yet, here they were, grappling with the stark reality that grandmothers were safe, but houses remained just as out of reach as before. This wasn’t the time for ventilators; it was a time for contemplation.

In Florida, a land known for its sunshine and a baffling number of retirees, the story took on a different hue. Boomers, notorious for accumulating houses they barely used, continued to bask in their real estate fortunes. Locals couldn’t help but marvel at the sight of empty homes—five in a row—owned by folks who scarcely remember their ZIP codes. It was like a twisted scavenger hunt without the treasure, only maps pointing to homes owned by invisible landlords.

So, dear readers, as the saga continues, one can’t help but ponder: Would letting “God cook” in 2020 have altered the narrative in favor of the young home-seekers? Perhaps, but that bridge remains uncrossed. The quest goes on for millennials and Gen Z, driven by a mix of resilience and humor, clinging to the hope that someday the stars will align, and the chapter of home ownership will unfurl in their favor. Until then, they’ll keep praying, keep looking, and maybe occasionally, contemplating their choice of masks over mortgages.