The temperature has gone down and the sound of coughing has picked up around him. His two month mark and the day of thanks have come and gone. He is glad to have spoken with his kids throughout this period. The job is beginning to pick up and he is doing his best to absorb and minimize the mistakes. His circle of acquaintances is beginning to widen as much as his influence.
A regular cast of characters have accepted him and look forward to his dry and unpredictable humor.

One night, after washing off the leftover soap from shaving, he pats his face dry and looks in the mirror. He feigns a smile and notices something. He sees what looks to be the early formation of a new crease just outside of his mouth. He wonders what or who caused this new guest to arrive. Doesn’t matter now. He believes he’s becoming more distinguished. With the community restroom to himself, he says, “Well, hello there and welcome aboard.”

The roommate he has had since his arrival has left. He feels fortunate to have found a friend in him. The roommate was always out mingling with others. His mingling roommate afforded him an empty room for peace and contemplation. He will miss his absent company. He may not be so lucky with whomever is next.

Remnants of the calamity occasionally wash over him. He latches onto the theory of being too attached to an idea. The idea of someone (other than parents or kids) looking forward to his return from this foreign land. To detach from this idea he recognizes the need for new events, new laughs and new memories. The newness will force out the old. He continues to take on each day in singular fashion.
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The boom is what wakes him. It sounded close, but how close? How far? Was it real? What time is it? He checks his phone for the time. It’s early morning. The alarms and tsunami of text notifications fill the airwaves. He can hear feet and fumbling in the surrounding rooms. More booms then more texting. He waits. Finally quiet. Over the loud speaker, he’s given the verbal thumbs up. He decides to take a quick nap before heading into work. Upon arrival, he learns everyone is safe. He feels the population abuzz with leftover adrenaline. As the day progresses, the adrenaline wanes and a visible fatigue infects everyone. People are dozing off at their desks. He wonders if he will be infected next.

The boom has shaken loose a thought, “With the fragility of life, why waste time worrying about those who aren’t worrying about you?” With a ripe perspective, the thought is freshly planted. The boom is the new event he didn’t want, but needed. He feels a renewed sense of vigor. What more could the winter bring?