31 Days of Five-Minute Writes: Day 21

31 Days of Five-Minute Writes: Day 21 - Wave

Today has been full of waves of emotion. My co-worker told me that she is going to take the early retirement package offered to her by my company. At first I was hit by waves of happiness for her. She now has two extra years to accomplish the things she wanted to do in retirement. Then the waves of panic hit - how will I do her work and my work? Then I felt guilty and tried to let the waves of happiness wash over me again. Then panic, then happiness, panic, happiness.

It's T-4 days until my church's fall carnival. The one that fell to me to organize when my co-chair had to have foot surgery. First waves of stress in how it would turn out. Then waves of calm, knowing that if the inflatables stayed inflated and the candy doesn't run out, the kids could care less how the rest of it goes. Then questions about plans brought waves of stress. Go to my happy place - waves of calm.

Then I go to Target. I'm shopping, buying the bridal shower card that goes with the gift bag. Finding out that my favorite gelato is on sale. In other words, waves of contentment. Then I get up to the front and I hear angry shouts. An argument is happening outside the doors of the store. As I finish checking out and I'm ready to exit, I see that the problem is a man has been accused of shoplifting and his wife is not happy about it. When I hear the man say "go to the car and get my wallet", waves of distress hit, wondering if this is code for "go to the car and get the gun." Suddenly my peaceful trip to Target has turned into fearing for my life. Waves of distress that aren't alternating with waves of the contentment I was feeling earlier. I decided to make a run for the door and I don't turn back until I'm in my car with all the doors locked. It wasn't until I crossed my threshold that the waves of contentment from being safe at home replaced the waves of distress.

Too much drama for a Wednesday. I'm ready for the waves of a beach after a day like today!

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