I’ve put far too much on myself. Between work, family and my own aspirations of writerdom, I’ve put way too much on.

With the saga of my wife’s mother coming to a close, that’s one huge thing that while I’m sure is not entirely finished, is at least no longer a daily struggle that co-opts hours out of all our days. Rest in peace, Judy. You were loved and we are glad you aren’t suffering anymore.

The bad news is we’ve lost someone we loved. The relief is that there’s no more suffering, and we can return to our lives, for now.

I am intentionally scaling back because I’ve been away from the world for too long. The comfort of friends and family was something else, and reminded me of the beauty that can be found in connection.

I need to get out of my head. Less work, less pressure.

If it happens, great. Whether it’s four minutes or five hours, we’ll get there.

Target: 800 words
Written: 269 words, novella: The Mungk