the rest

After the last band of the festival I checked into my hotel room. M & P had left, so I was on my own for the last night. I took a long relaxing shower. Then climbed into bed with my book.

I didn't even open it. Distracted by the vibration of my phone on the bedside table. Another flirty text. Returned. And on. Ending with sweet dreams.

Exhausted but happy. I slept very well.

Waking up the next morning, I hurriedly packed. I had one more place to be before returning to reality.

I drove to the familiar limestone house. C greeted me in her driveway. We hugged hello. And the conversation started flowing as if it were last week when last I was there, instead of last year.

Her house was soon inundated with kiddos. Hers and neighbors'. In the past, the utter chaos of six young kids running around would have made me long for peace and quiet.

Instead I basked in the craziness. Missing my nieces a little. Wanting a little for someday.

Usually when I come back from my trips to the state where most of my college friends still live, I miss it, miss them. Don't really want to be home.

I still miss my friends, but for once I was excited about the possibilities that await me at home. Reality at work would be harsh. But I was ready to get back to the rest.