Chapter 17: New Normal

I know it’s Saturday. It’s the weekend. I am home. And I don’t like it.

I should be feeling relaxed now but how could I if my heart is not with me and my mind cannot be contained.

My parents are definitely up and about. The sound of my dad’s cracking voice in the videoke and my mom’s screaming like she's his no. 1 fan tell me that I am really back to our house. They have grown even much closer during this uncertain time and especially while I was away when they only had each other to lean on.

Now, more than even, I can justify the feeling that I got while living with Quim. It was nothing but normal.

Last night was my first call with Quim after leaving his property. We stayed talking until the wee hours of the morning. It was a conversation full of happy memories as well as regrets for not starting to be nice to each other earlier.

“How are your parents?” he asked. I didn’t expect him to ask about them. I continue to discover more of his good side even now that we are away phys