I’m in a window of shamelessness that only arises before a true vacation. Planned since February, the extent of relaxation is proportional to depth of commitment. A singular experience to consume my voluntary time 2300 miles from here. Complete anonymity. Simulated Alzheimer’s, meeting the same people 4 days in a row.

If I get a job offer, I can be moved in a month.

I am eerily calm. I want to be there and am patiently counting the hours. The perfect escape, ripe for the picking. Clutching hold, Tantalus in quicksand, refusing to let go.

I fly.