Chapter 44: The News

The TV drones on in the background as I randomly change the channel again. Now it's some perky host extolling the virtues of a miracle kitchen gadget that can apparently dice, slice, and julienne your life into perfect order. If only it were that easy.

I grab my phone again, scrolling mindlessly through social media. Everyone else seems to have their lives together. Posts about promotions, engagements, vacations to exotic locales. And here I am, on day one of my forced vacation, contemplating the merits of competitive napping as a hobby.

I've spent so long defining myself by my career that I've forgotten who I am outside of it. Without the structure of work, without the constant demands on my time and energy, I'm a lost little lamb.

It's a sobering thought. And more than a little terrifying.

I grab the remote again, flipping through channels with renewed determination.