A Sweet Detour

Two days ago, I left the library after telling Muffy about my thoughts. Not long after, I noticed she had posted on my website. I didn’t expect her to cry. That surprised me more than anything. It made me feel shy — because who cries over me?

On the way out, a kind older man with slightly ajar teeth like mine asked about my jacket. It says Grier Dance Company. Apparently my casual jacket has ties to that school. No wonder people have been trying to talk to me lately. Usually no one starts conversations first.

Then, while deciding whether I should go thrifting or not, a kind young man with hyperpigmentation showed me where my bus stop was. The marks sat along the lower half of his face in a way that almost looked patterned. He reminded me of a somewhat helpful leopard.

I didn’t actually need help, but I made sure to thank him anyway. I must’ve looked like a goose with no head though. The bow I gave him probably startled him — I tend to bow when I’m truly grateful and polite. He looked unsure how to respond, like he thought I might suddenly throw myself at him or something.

I think I need to learn how to properly say thank you the U.S. way instead of the Japanese way. Now that I think about it, I definitely need practice or I’ll just keep feeling awkward.

While waiting at the bus stop, I looked up and saw a plane crossing the sky.

I realized how much I want to fly one day — not the way birds do, but in life. I want to succeed. I want my life to rise toward the things I’ll build, toward stability, gratitude, and readiness. I don’t just want to fly. I want to soar into everything good I can become and add into my life.

When the bus arrived, I faced a choice. I was supposed to go thrifting — there was a one-dollar-per-pound Thursday deal at the Bins — but instead I made a detour that would soon become my most coveted destination.

Jeni’s Ice Cream.

The place makes life look worth living through ice cream alone. The sweet smell emitting from inside was easily the best detour of my entire year. It instantly became my new favorite place ever.

I loved my order so much it almost seemed like an advertisement when i mentioned the encounter to Gin. Like yes, please take my nine dollars for these scoops.

One half scoop of Vanilla Honey Bean… and then a godsend: Brown Butter Almond Brittle.

I loved it so much I could’ve cried. If my love for that flavor became a plant, I’d be turning into the Amazon rainforest. Two scoops in a waffle bowl felt legendary. Honestly, if someone gave me a 12 dollar take home cup of the  Brown Butter Almond Brittle, we’d probably become instant friends followed immediately by a hug with a kiss of appreciation.

Afterward, I still decided to see if thrifting interested me. I went to Pavement. It looked nice and affordable, and I wandered inside while still eating my ice cream. I needed a hat to help keep dust out while cleaning, but I didn’t find one.

Even so, I enjoyed my night — despite missing the bus twice in a row. lol.

While waiting again, I remembered giving a crying coworker my leftover churro bites once. We work in the same area but different buildings. There’s a language barrier between us, yet she smiled through tears when I handed them to her.

I also thought I saw Uwana earlier. I couldn’t tell if it was really her at first. She looked different. I only ever see her at the library, and we don’t really talk. I don’t know if that will ever change.

Then my thoughts drifted to Asto. He hasn’t spoken to me since Valentine’s Day. I feel like I shouldn’t be too hopeful. People come and go. It’s not like he promised he’d always stay in contact. No worries there.

The rest of my day blurred together on the bus ride home — or at least I wish it had. By the time I finally made it back, my bladder was painfully reminding me that patience has limits. 😭