They’re right. This should have been a day off.

I realize that I am more nervous about today than the past days. Who will show up? Will there be new faces? Can I really do this?

Honestly, I could use a day of solitude.

I catch myself before I get in too deep.

We decide who’s bringing what and I’m genuinely glad that it’s not over yet.

I tell him that I’m not surprised, that while I was cleaning the tanks and had all that time to think that I thought exactly this. And so, in a way, I am not surprised. It is very on brand.

Two new faces. I really didn’t think she would come back.

They just can’t know that I’m nervous, too.

The best grades he’s had in years.

I think of how she told the girls that basketball will prepare you for life. That sometimes basketball is hard and life is sometimes hard. She is not wrong.