The two of us carpool to Portland, talking non-stop. We pull up to find the two of them greeting us on the the steps of our Airbnb. There is hugging and laughter, and some getting settled in, but really mostly smiles. It has been so long. We wake on Saturday and have a long, lingering breakfast with lots of talking and some card pulling. Later we wander though the sweetest neighborhood and do a bit of shopping. I buy salt, tea and a beautiful wineglass to remember the trip by. Throughout the day we check in with the others, who could not make it, posting photos and videos on our private IG account. We end the night with fresh oysters on the half shell and walking in the rain. Come Sunday there is a 9:00 plane to catch for one, and the rest of us part ways. I come home refreshed but with some questions. Thinking about how I might grow in directions I feel pulled towards, while backing away some to find balance.
He and the dog pick me up and I am bombarded with a wagging tail, face licks and a full recap of how they survived without me. It is always good to come home, to fully understanding I am loved and missed.
[days 26, 27, 28]
weekending || week 4
