Page 29 of Merry Little Sugar Rush
Missed the snow and missed Snowflake Falls.
Missed my family and the farm.
And yes, I’ve missed the hell out of Joy Campbell.
Even now, driving away from her apartment, I miss her.
That should scare the hell out of me, but it doesn’t. I’m not exactly sure why, but it feels more like a homecoming than anything else. Like I’ve been missing a piece of something important in my life for a very long time.
And now that I’m here?
Those pieces are clicking into place.
One very big problem remains.
My time here has an expiration date.
NINE
Joy
I flopover and try to adjust myself against my pillow, searching for sleep to claim me. Unfortunately, as it’s been for the last thirty minutes, I can’t seem to calm my racing mind. I even try to recite measurement conversions to ease my thoughts, but it’s not working. In everything Burk worms his way into it.
Reaching for my phone, I hesitate just before the device is in my hand. I shouldn’t be texting him. I’m sure he’s home relaxing, and the last thing he needs is me interrupting his night with chitchat.
But then I recall how he seemed to be at war with himself as he was leaving, like he didn’t want to go. In fact, he’d probably still be sitting in my living room, chatting, if he hadn’t noticed my yawns. I’m certain he caught on to the fact it was nearing my bedtime. My body starts to shut down at the same time every night, thanks to years of getting up at four in the morning.
I reach for the phone again, this time grabbing on to it and tapping the screen. Maybe sending him a quick message will appease my overactive brain, and I’ll be able to fall asleep finally.
Me
Hey, just checking to make sure you made it home ok.
The dancing dots appear almost instantly.
Burk
I did. Snow is starting to come down fast now. It’s been so long since I’ve gotten to see this kind of snow, it’s refreshing and beautiful.
Me
It doesn’t snow in SC?
Burk
It does, but not like this. And we’re more toward the east side of the state, toward the ocean, so we don’t get it as often.
Me
I can’t imagine living somewhere with no snow.
Burk
It definitely took some getting used to, but the beaches and ocean waves make up for it.
Me
I guess, but that still doesn’t sound as appealing.
