Page 35 of Bound and Blitzed

She places a hand on mine and gentles her tone. “You’ve been working constantly, Valentina. Why don’t you take today to relax? To think and have some time for yourself. I promise, the work will still be here tomorrow. And we all do our best work when our minds are clear.”

I pull in a deep breath. “Are you sure?”

She smiles. “I am. Plus, you’ll be here late tomorrow as we have an evening session of presentations. I’d like you to speak at the start of the event. It’s a good opportunity for you to share the public education courses you’re introducing at Ijams Nature Center.”

My pet project—starting a series of talks and public education opportunities for avid bird-watchers, beginners, and even children at the nature center in Knoxville has been approved. It’s something I lobbied hard for and now that it’s coming to fruition, I should be elated.

Instead, I feel empty.

Still, the opportunity to share the new initiative at tomorrow evening’s event, one that will host alumni and university guests, isn’t one I can pass up.

“I’d like that,” I agree.

“Good.” Dr. Mendoza squeezes my forearm gently. “You can leave your notes here. Go, take a walk, have a hot coffee, and spend some time in nature, Valentina.”

“Thanks, Dr. Mendoza.”

“Oh, and don’t forget about the Smoky Mountains field work trip. We had to change the dates and are heading out?—”

“January 4,” I murmur. “I read the email last night.”

“Good. I think you’ll be the perfect addition to the team.”

“I appreciate the opportunity,” I say sincerely.

Dr. Mendoza smiles. “You earned it. See you tomorrow, Valentina.”

“Tomorrow,” I agree, releasing the breath I didn’t realize I was holding.

I stow my notes and research in one of the office cabinets. Then, I gather my purse and coat and stride from the office. Knowing that I have a full day ahead of me, with no commitments, offers a small reprieve.

There’s an extra bounce to my step. A ray of sunshine in my outlook.

When I exit the building and turn my face to the clear blue sky and beams of the sun, my shoulders dip in relief. I’m grateful to Dr. Mendoza for giving me some time off and offering a fresh perspective.

Turning toward downtown, I walk at a leisurely pace, taking in the holiday decorations I’ve mostly missed while being caught up in my head these past few weeks.

The downtown area comes alive with the magic of Christmas, and I realize just how disconnected I’ve been. Withdrawn and aloof.

But now…a smile stretches across my face. There are holiday lights and festive storefronts. Ice-skating in Market Square and pictures with Santa Claus. Coffee shops boast specialty holiday coffees and hot chocolate concoctions. Restaurants are filling up with the brunch crowd.

The city is bustling. There’s an infectious energy in the air—the countdown to Christmas is on, but the urgency hasn’t hit with full force yet. Instead, holiday revelers are eager and excited. There’s joy and laughter.

And some of the gray I’ve been living in lifts to reveal slivers of color.

I dip into a coffee shop, inhaling the delicious aroma of coffee. I surprise myself when it’s my turn and I order a peppermint mocha instead of my usual café con leche.

The barista is wearing reindeer ears and smiles broadly when she passes me my steaming mocha. “Happy holidays!”

“Happy holidays,” I reply, beaming at her.

Taking my hot beverage, I tuck into a back table and spend a few moments watching the scene before me. Young couples grabbing a morning coffee, busy professionals getting a cup to-go as they balance buzzing phones, and young mothers with wild children in tow, looking like they need a caffeine hit.

It’s busy yet joyful. I blow on my hot coffee and pull out my phone.

A pang of disappointment cuts through me that there’s no message from Avery. But how much can I expect? He already married me!

I send Abuela a text promising to call her this evening. It’s been too long since we’ve spoken and I know she’s worried. Plus, I could use her advice.

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