Day 19. 10 small moments

1. I buy two succulent plant arrangements and drive them to the cafe. He tells me that he wants more plants, and also some of my rock structures. I happily agree to come back because it makes the cafe feel even more like its mine.

2. We sit across from each other, and I eat all of the coffee butter + bacon waffle. He tells me that he feels emotional, and I ask if it’s because we both had, more or less, licked our plates completely clean, AND the coffee was excellent. He understands the underlying message in that question.

3. I finish packing. She texts me that they’re all doing carry-on. I sigh and try to remove 15% of everything.

4. He has returned to the States. They made chicken apritada and rice for lunch. It is the simplicity of walking next door to eat an everyday meal with them that I find comforting. It just feels right.

5. I buy two large rosemary plants and drive them to the cafe. Their smell stays in the car and on my skin.

6. Everything looks so great, and seems to be running smoothly. I wish I was going to be at the cafe tomorrow, but family first (and the cacti and the dry heat are waiting).

7. The three teens and their carry-ons are waiting for me outside. When did I become the chaperone and responsible one? I still reassure the mom while I try not to get into an accident pulling out of their driveway.

8. I missed 2 exits, and then we are caught in traffic. A sliver of anxiety starts even before the usual travel flutters have a chance to bud.

9. Seeing the "Recombobulation Area" sign makes me smile. Always. It’s encouraging to see this sign after the stressful discomfort of the airport security line... It also reminds me to check in on the status of the SCC version...

10. The arid heat hits us as soon as the glass doors of the airport slide open.