Ten.One Thousand, Four Hundred & Forty-One

1. An odd series of dreams.

2. Gray skies. Fog hanging low. A welcomed sight. Has me wishing for winter.

3. A quiet drive down to the floor for pastries. The colors of the morning: muted greens and browns against the white-gray skies. Sixty degrees.

4. She is the only patron without a mask on. This is going to be a weird transition back to “normal.”

5. A break in the fog. Glistening green vines. This is not so bad. This is not bad at all.

6. A familiar face in the grocery store. It is sinking in that this is home.

7. I tell her that I appreciate how much she cheers for all of the kids. She knows every name and is at every game. She has my mother’s name. It is nice to put a face to the voice.

8. They say it’s best not to get too excited. This little town doesn’t really get very far, but maybe they haven’t watched enough ESPN to know that miracles happen on a field. Sometimes, it’s just about timing and serendipity. Anything can happen.

9. Another win.

10. We relocate the beers and bellinis and fried chicken to the other side of the field, settle back into the chairs, and watch the next game.

11. He is not wrong. It is a heart change, and that change of heart isn’t going to come from education.

12. As I say it out loud, I think to myself, “I’m not exactly sure if it’s going to work, but I’m not going to freak myself out about it.” Life will find a way.