by MustBTVDay thirty-six of furlough. Another morning, another Starbucks Venti White Chocolate Mocha, the routine that’s become both habit and therapy. Remi and I made our now-daily pilgrimage to Starbucks, her tail wagging like she’s personally responsible for morale operations. The baristas know us by now; they hand me the cup with a smile that says, “Still hanging in there?”
It’s strange how quickly a routine can settle into something sacred. The drive-through line, the smell of roasted beans, Remi leaning halfway across my lap to inspect the window. We come home, coffee in hand, and she gets her treat for a job well done, as if emotional support is a line item she’s clocking hours for.
Today feels different, though. The quiet has an expiration date. Amy should be home later tonight, and the whole house seems to know it. The energy’s lighter. Even Mittens has ventured out of his office-chair kingdom, and Tabby’s been circling the living room like she’s inspecting for her imminent return.
I spent most of the day tinkering with D&D overlays agai, small adjustments that probably only I’ll notice. The December music launch prep is still chugging along, too. Momentum’s everything during furlough, and I’m holding onto it like an anchor.
Dinner will be simple, something easy, something warm, something to pass the time until headlights pull into the driveway. The hardest part of her trips is always the waiting, but the best part is knowing that waiting’s almost over.
Morale check: cautiously elevated. The Living Room Republic stands ready for re-entry operations, mocha-fueled, Remi on standby, and the long-awaited return of normal just hours away.
