I am awake but keep my eyes closed. It is still early. I’m not sure I want to be up just yet.

Half a cup too many.

Tupelo Honey. Decaf, cranberry juice, water, scramble.

It was worth the walk. I could watch it forever.

I ask him about the Trail of Tears signs. Next time I return, I will find it.

I think I’ve hit my limit. I sit on the floor and balance and stretch, listen to them talk.

A half-dozen PEI oysters and shrimp cocktail. I want a glass of muscadet, but they only have albariño. A slice of key lime pie to take home.

I walk barefoot to the deck. The heat of the ground and the weight of the air feel good against my skin. I want to go home, but I don’t want to go home.

The final evening.

Hot water. I think about how grateful and lucky I am to have such a wonderful family that makes me laugh, that I will genuinely miss when I return home.