Those scurrying feet above my head.

Fever Dreams oil on the wrists. Dreamer talisman in the pocket. Wishing to return.

Finding words.

The return of the light.

“If you say things of consequence, there may be consequences. The alternative is to be inconsequential.” - Phillippa Hughes

“Use your pass the salt voice.” - Courtney Seard

I step outside and look up at the trees and the clear blue sky.

“You’re so smart,” I say. I throw a pinch of raisin bran into my mouth. “But it just feels wild to say, ‘I just want to make money doing whatever I want when I want.’ I’m just scared.”

I could lay here, but actually, I’ll feel better if I straighten the kitchen and make my bed. The best gift will be to return to a cleanish home.

I told myself I’d make all my lists while sitting in the stands. Instead, I throw my face into the sun and stare at the sky and the trees and the mountains in the distance. I watch the changing sky. I listen to the thwack of the ball hitting the catcher’s mitt. I eat grapes. I give thanks.