April 2nd, 2018

Not an hour after I'd finished my journal last night and Mom calls up to say she'd received a letter for me from Efe. It was already getting late so she didn't want to bring it to me then, but wanted to know when I'd be home after work today so she could drop it off. That's why I didn't make any note last night, I didn't have his letter in hand to say anything about it, but I do now!

Sounds like he's doing good, but he said things have been tesnse lately and he's not sure how to explain it. He says they've been running extra security checks and drills as though the higher ups are expecting something, but otherwise everything seems fine. He did confirm hearing about Smithwick, but it hadn't registered to him at the time so he didn't pay attention. Now that I've brought it to his attention, Efe said he'd ask around.

He expresses concern about my hallucinations and asked a lot of questions, especially about things I had specifically avoided telling him. I'm not sure how I'm going to answer some of his questions, but the others about what the doctors are saying and stuff I can be more up front about. Of course there is the delay in correspondence, so as much as anything he's just asking for an update knowing I'd have been taking care of things.

Then of course he asks about the museum and how my job is going. I'm not sure how I'm going to tell him about that without explaining why and sounding crazy. Although it sounds like I may not have to worry about it. Efe's put in for leave for the week of Dad and Batel's birthday. He'll miss Mom's birthday, but he always tries to come home that week because all their birthdays are so close. I could just not write back and he'll be arriving about the time I'd be getting a response from him anyway.

No, I should write something at least, even if it's a "looking forward to seeing you, we'll talk then."

It is nice to hear from him, and other than the stress of drilling all the time it sounds like he's having fun. He still can't tell me where he is, but he must be near civilization because he mentioned being able to visit town with his buddies more than once. As always he's frustratingly vague with the things they're doing, and I suppose that's how he'd feel if I avoided answering his questions.

I'm stewing on what I should write back, or if I should write back. So I haven't even pulled out any paper yet.

As for my day today, it was much easier. At least, getting into the swing of things. We'd moved most of the stuff out of Sam's shed Friday, so today I spent time cleaning the shed out and working out how and where to put things back in. Once I got to contemplate everything, and how little that shed was, I started wondering where it all came from. Sam says it was all in the shed, but I just don't see how. And he wants me to get it all back in there.

So while I was cleaning the shed out, which consisted of using a broom to clean up the cobwebs and brush down the walls before sweeping it out. It's not like we're going to prepare food in there, but I couldn't believe how much dust and mud made its way in. I let my mind ponder the question of how to organize everything and get it all back in. There was a shelf in the back that I cleaned off, and I realized it was just some sheet metal propped up on some wall hooks. The hooks themselves were adjustable, fitting into a series of mounts that I found all around the shed. I asked Sam while we ate lunch if he'd would be willing to cut up some of that sheet metal so I could make more shelving, and he said that was a great idea. Most of the metal is scrap anyway, stuff he uses for spare when he needs.

After lunch I found a pencil and some paper and started making notes for how big I'd want the shelves to be, and found a measuring tape among his tools so I could give him numbers. Then I set about organizing all his stuff into piles so I could get an idea of what would be going back into the shed. Most of the sheet metal and scraps I think we can slide under the shed. It's propped up off the ground anyway, so there's room. And I found a couple of metal barrels that are empty, if we can get them into the shed and cut the tops off they can store more stuff. Stand up the bars and fence posts in one, and use the other for smaller scraps and chunks that don't stack so easily.

I found so many pliers, I'm starting to wonder if Sam buys a new pair every month or so because he can't find the others. I'm going to put up nails to hang them off all over the place so he always has a pair handy. And I'd say something similar about his hammers, except all the hammers are different and they look much more well cared for... and used. So those I'll have to dedicate some space for and organize.

I remembered as I was thinking things through of seeing inside Max's Dad's garage. We didn't usually go in there, not much reason to, but he had a peg board on which he hung a lot of his tools. I think I'm going to do that against one of the walls, and we can use nails for pegs since he's got so many. Sam thought that was a good idea too, but confessed that he didn't have any peg board. So after that I started using my note paper to make a list of everything I wanted, and when it was time to go I presented it to Sam. He checked off everything he had, or could manage, and said we'll have to go shopping for the rest.

I was a little embarrassed to be spending his money for him, but Sam said it was perfectly fine. He said he's got something he needs my help with tomorrow, but Wednesday we can go shopping and pick most of that stuff up.

To be honest, I was surprised how fast the day went by. I worked, but it didn't feel like I'd done all that much. Next thing I knew Sam was knocking on the side of the shed to get my attention and it was time to clean up to go. I was apologetic about asking him to buy things, and about not getting anything put back in the shed, and then as I start apologizing for not being ready to go he just starts laughing. It didn't make me feel the greatest, but Sam reminded me that this wasn't an office job and he wasn't ticking off my tasks. He knew this was a big job, and if it was going to get organized right, it'd take time. As long as I wasn't walking around talking on my phone instead of working, he was happy. Did I mention we don't get any cell service out there?

As early as we started, it felt like I had all afternoon to myself once I got home. Candace was in bed when I got there and I had a few hours before she got around. In fact I was able to surprise her with breakfast when she got up for a change. I didn't cook anywhere near as well as she does, but she ate my pancakes and didn't even mention how dark they were. She seemed a little grumpy though, and I offered an apology for waking her up. She just shook her head and said it was fine, that it was nice waking up to the smell of my pancakes.

It feels odd having to go to bed while the sun's still up. I know it'll pass behind the mountains soon, and that makes it a bit easier, but I'm just so used to not even thinking about bed until it was dark. Probably why I'm still sitting here writing even though I should be in bed.

March 23rd, 2018

I'm scared and excited, in different measure at different times. I've always lived with my parents, and there's a comfort in that. But I've also, even more so recently, been wanting to move out. My thoughts had been that Max and I might find a place together, but everything she could find was associated with the college which I wasn't also attending. So that just never happened.

Now that the opportunity has presented itself, I'm excited to finally be doing what I've long wanted. But it means I'm stepping outside of that familiarity, and that's kinda scary. I've heard horror stories about roommates that can't get along. Thanks to Hals recent roommate, I even have a horror story of my own. Thanks to those stories, the general consensus is to not move in with a friend if you want to remain friends.

The advantage though is that we already know each other, the only thing we don't really know is our living arrangements and how they'll mesh. But I think as long as we're open with each other we should be fine. Besides, she'll have the master bedroom which has its own bath. And I'll just have my own bathroom that I'll have to keep clean for guests, which is how it's been with my parents. Though admittedly Mom made sure to stay on top of certain things and I won't have her around anymore.

Sam said he's got a trailer that he uses to deliver some of his larger pieces, and we can use it to move my stuff. It's not an enclosed trailer, and I'm tempted to ask if we can get a rental instead. But either way, he'll haul it and help load/unload. We'll just have to plan ahead so he can make sure he's got the time. I asked about this weekend, but Sam already has a schedule. Besides, I need time to get boxes and pack everything up. So we're looking at next weekend as the best opportunity.

I talked with Mom and Dad about everything today. Mom kept saying I didn't have to move, that getting a job helping Sam was fine. Dad said that if I went to college I wouldn't have to pay rent. I think they're feeling the fear of losing me, even despite their ultimatum. This'll be good for me though, I need to move on and out. And unlike my siblings I'll still be in Denver.

Mom and Dad are being supportive though. Dad said he'd start bringing boxes home for me, and Mom offered to help pack them. She also mentioned that this would be a good opportunity for me to purge things that I didn't need or want anymore, and that she could store things that I might want in the future. Like keeping some of my toys for kids of my own or whatever.

This is going to be an interesting week as I dig out all my stuff and go over it. I'm wondering what I'll find. And I'm hoping I don't lose anything.

March 22nd, 2018

Today started out normally enough. Hal called up and asked about going to the gym and picking up Candace. He said he had the day free if I wanted to do something, but he knew I generally had plans with Candace. Of course, if he could be of help at Candace's he was willing and able. I told him that Candace and I had plans, but we needed to talk. I told him I'd check in with Candace, and get back to him.

So when I called Candace up, I let her know what was going on. She encouraged me to take the morning to talk with Hal and that I could join her whenever I was ready. So I called Hal up and asked if we could go somewhere we could talk. Hal suggested his place, of course, but I felt more comfortable in a neutral and public area. So we agreed to meet at the cafe down on 25th.

I told him I wasn't comfortable working with The Order. That I was no longer comfortable with him working with The Order. I won't prevent him from doing so, or ask him not to, I won't even make it a condition on us remaining together. I don't think that'd be fair. But I wanted him to know that I'm not comfortable with it anymore. To that end, I turned down their offer. Though I seriously considered asking if they'd just pay me to stay quiet. But part of me is still worried about how they'd react to such threats.

I understand that it's an incredible opportunity for him. His schooling is paid for and he's allowed, encouraged even, to continue to pursue his education at his own pace. And having a similar offer is tempting to me. I do want to go to college after all. But I wasn't prepared to lose my job again, especially not like that. I want my education to get me into a career that I can stay with, and I don't want some shadow organization pulling my strings and putting that career at risk. And no, I don't consider it okay that I could just get another similar job somewhere else.

I told him I was happy with our relationship, but I knew that it'd have to change going forward. I'm willing to try if he is, but I want to step back from The Order and all our conspiracy talk.

Hal listened, and he accepted my decision. He wants to continue with our relationship, which was good to hear. But he's going to want to have someone to be able to talk to about all this. For now, he'll see if he can make do just chatting with Brigida, and I suggested that Max has always been interested in conspiracy theories. Hal actually mentioned that it might be nice having someone to escape all that with. But I don't think he's ever going to be able to tear himself away, and I think he's aware of that too.

So we'll see how things go, and I'm glad we had this talk. It was nice afterward to hold him again and be held by him again. I did miss that.

Afterward he brought me to Candace's, and made the decision to go work on some of his own things.

In a way that was good, because I wanted to be able to spend some time with Candace and maybe see if I could identify what Sam was talking about.

Things went well, it was windy and cloudy today, which made it less enjoyable to work outside. Fortunately we were working with the small pots and seeds, so we could do that inside. Candace seemed to do well, even when I had a dizzy spell just before two. But as well as she seemed, I think I am seeing what Sam saw. She was waving her hands over one of the pots she had just planted, and was getting frustrated when nothing happened. Then there was her humor, which wasn't very humorous. She was mocking, especially toward Sam. When we first met, I remember her being dismissive and condescending toward him, but she seemed to come to accept him and even bond with him after coming to live here. But today, and even yesterday the way she teased him about asking for help with the table saw, she mocked him. It made me uncomfortable.

I finally called her out on it though, asking why she was harping on him so badly. She acted like she wasn't even aware she was doing it. And it seemed genuine, which is troubling on its own. Afterward she seemed to go back to herself. She stopped harping on Sam, and when he showed up later for dinner, she seemed to try to make it up to him.

I'm not sure what's going on with her, but I do think it'd be good to keep a closer eye on her. So over dinner I talked to them some more about the offers they had made me. I'll have to talk to my parents, though at the moment I feel like they're pushing me out anyway. But I'll take the empty room, that way I can just move my stuff in rather than having to claim things that are already there.

I'm not sure how much of an assistant to Sam I'd make, but for a time it'd be nice to have a little bit of cash coming in and I'd like to see his forge and stuff. So I'll try that out for size, and if I like it I can keep doing it. But if it's only part time, I'll still have to find another job. And when that comes alone we'll have to reassess my assistance to him.

Reaching that decision really seemed to take a weight off my shoulders, and if I'm not paying rent, maybe I can still save up and go to college rather that get another job.

When Sam was taking me home, he asked about his other offer, making my primary job be to be there for Candace. I told him I wasn't comfortable with us making those arrangements behind her back. But I also admitted I'd seen how she was acting differently, and I had to agree that maybe she does need someone there. So if he wanted to pay me a bit more on the side for doing something I'd do anyway... who was I to turn down more money?

Don't remind me about the tubing trip. I've got a different situation now, and with that comes different priorities.

I'm tired now that I'm home, so I stayed long enough to say good night to Mom and Dad, and then came up here to my room. I'll talk to them tomorrow about moving in with Candace.

March 20th, 2018

Hal finally stopped texting today and allowed me space.

I spent the morning doing chores knowing full well Mom was there. She was happy to see me out. I had been out yesterday of course, but I'd pretty much hid from her and Dad so it's not like they saw me out. She did want to talk and while still disappointed in what I'd done, she felt it was time I accepted the consequences and moved on. To that end she was encouraging of me to find another job. And I do have a lot of money saved up, I could probably put in for some loans, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid and go to school.

It's just that I'd been working toward a scholarship through the museum and had hoped to do that this summer and start in the fall.

At least Mom wasn't dumping on me. Though I was still getting disapproving silence form Dad. Even with her encouragement, I still have an ultimatum on the table.

I have time now, I could go look in to admissions and financial aid at the college. But I still have bills that need to be paid, so I'll need a job either way.

They've been pretty adamant that I not spend time with Hal any more too. So when I got my chores done around the house, I left saying I'd be out looking for a job. Then I called Hal up and asked if we could meet somewhere. He picked me up at the next bus stop and we headed back to his place.

Hal was tripping over himself to apologize. He said he knew how much the job meant to me, but then he turns around and reminded me of the job offer with The Order. They'd pay for my schooling, and I'd earn enough money that I wouldn't have to worry about it. Then I could go out and do anything. He forgets that I'd also be trespassing secured areas and losing my job on a regular basis. I don't know what kind of career I could make out of that.

It's a tempting offer though. If they're going to get me into this kind of trouble, I may as well make them pay for it and take advantage. I told Hal I'd think about it.

I couldn't stay out forever though, and I wanted to make it look like I'd tried to get jobs. So I asked Hal to bring me home and stop by every fast food joint on the way. That way I could walk in with a pile of applications to fill out.

March 19th, 2018

Hal and Max's spring break started this week. I still hadn't responded to Hal's texts or his messages and I'd just about turned my phone off to stop getting calls when Max's name showed up on my screen. After spending most of yesterday in bed, and even most of this morning, I was feeling like I needed to get out. So I welcomed Max's invite to go get something to eat.

I ended up telling her everything that'd happened. She let me be disappointed in myself rather than adding to it, and counseled that I talk to Hal and let him know that I'm not angry at him. It was a nice long chat, and it's been a while since just us two did something. Max was feeling good about her midterms, she's already gotten most of her grades back and they're all A's. This next term she's got a project for one of her classes to create a short film and she's looking forward to that.

Candace texted while we were at lunch to let me know that the stuff she'd ordered from the garden supply store had arrived. She's looking forward to my days off so I can help her in the back yard. I couldn't bring myself to respond.

My parents were much more calm after I'd returned home. They still lectured me on responsibility and making the right choices and stuff. I guess Hal had come over while I was out hoping to catch me and instead caught an earful from Mom. Still, I have an ultimatum on the table to find a job, get into college, or find another place to live.

Feels like I'm getting kicked when I'm already down.

I finally sent Hal a text. I told him that I wasn't trying to shut him our or anything. I apologized for ignoring him and explained that I just need time to process. Then I turned my phone off.

March 18th, 2018

I've barely gotten out of bed today. I went downstairs around two to get something to eat. Mom was there and wanted to know what happened. I told her that Hal and I stayed after hours in the museum hoping to catch who was causing the troubles at work. She flat out told me that was stupid, that it was the security guards whose job it was to do that. She's very disappointed with my decision, and I can't blame her. I only half listened to her lecture, and then I went back upstairs and crawled back in bed.

When Dad came home he yelled at me too. I didn't go down for dinner.

Hal's been trying to call me all day. I've turned my ringer off so I don't have to hear it. He texts too, desperate to talk to me. He thinks I blame him, or that I'm angry with him. I'm not happy with him, but as much as anything I'm angry with myself for agreeing to do that at all. At first he kept trying to reassure me. When he realized I wasn't going to answer, that's when he started trying to plead his case and beg me to talk. I still haven't responded to him.

It's getting dark, Mom and Dad have gone to bed. I'm going to go grab something to eat real quick and then come back to bed. I don't know what I'm going to do tomorrow.

February 28th, 2018

I feel like a weight has been lifted. Dr. Laurie agreed with me that my lethargy is probably a side effect of the medication. And while he did want to give it some more time, hoping I might get used to the new meds and eventually overcome the lethargy, he accepted that I didn't have the time to try that. My leave was only for a week, and while a medical excuse could extend that, I'm still not earning a paycheck. I may not have the bills that other people have, but I do still have bills. So I'm going back onto the other meds. He wrote a new prescription for me, that I turned into the pharmacy on the way home. I should be able to pick up the meds tomorrow. In the meantime, I still have the remaining pills from my old prescription.

Dr. Laurie wasn't happy that I hadn't taken my dose this morning, but it works out. He'd want me to go a day in between so as not mix the meds in my system. And I can already feel the difference. I've been tired today, but not like I have been all last week.

The word on the scans I took after the operation are promising, and it does look like the bulge was already responding. But they had me take new scans today so they could see what more time will have done for me. And again, I probably won't hear back on these scans for another week or so. Dr. Laurie also let me know they were wanting to study the scans longer just to see what else they might find. He'll call me with the findings and schedule any appointments that need to be made then.

The appointment didn't last as long as it might have, though the new scans did take a good deal of the day. So afterward, Mom took me out for lunch and gave us a chance to talk. She's been drawing again in her free time, which I guess is a product of me being out so much more lately. And yesterday while she was out, one of her stops was by the local library where she's going to work with other non-white Americans to create a mural on one of their walls. She's very excited about it, and I'm thrilled for her. She used to produce some of the most beautiful drawings, but taking care of me since I was diagnosed didn't leave her with a lot of time. I only vaguely remember her drawing, though we have her art hanging all around the house.

We got home to find Dad and Hal talking in front of the TV. Discussing the Olympics of all things. Dad apologized that he didn't have dinner ready for us, and he and Mom went in to the kitchen leaving Hal and I to ourselves. I told Hal about Mom's new project, only to then have to explain that the pictures we had around the house were all her drawings. He thought they were just black and white photos.

I made sure to call Candace up, Mom had mentioned she'd called after me yesterday, and let her know things were good. We'll get together tomorrow depending on how I'm feeling and hopefully I can get back to a regular schedule.

Hal joined us for dinner, and I think this is the first time he's been able to try Dad's cooking. Though it was a combined effort between my parents, so even better. All in all just a good night, even Dad was acting more comfortable around Hal than he had before.

It almost feels like I slept the last week away, and that kinda sucks. But after today, I'm feeling like I can get my life back on track. Hal will pick Candace and I up to go to the gym, which I missed this morning because of the appointment. I'll need to run chores, pick up my new old prescription, and I want to stop by the museum to check in with them. Then it'll be back to Candace's. She mentioned that her in-laws finally got the last of the stuff that they wanted. So she had invited Jane over to see if she might want anything that was left. And of course, I could grab anything if I wanted.

I just hope I am feeling better tomorrow. I hate to find out the lethargy has been for something other than the medication.

February 25th, 2018

Physically I feel fine. I'm not sure like I was, nothing hurts, I moved about easily and well. Even this morning, Hal took me to the gym and I didn't have any problems. I did take it easy, like I had yesterday with Max, but I feel like I could've done my usual workout.

But mentally I feel like I pushed a little too hard yesterday. And maybe that's just an excuse, I don't know. I've felt tired all day. And having seen so many fairies yesterday, so many hallucinations, I feel like it wore me out. Hal asked if I wanted to go over to his place and help with his homework like I often do. I asked if he could just take me home so I could rest and sleep. I hope he didn't take it the wrong way, and he was kind enough to do as I asked.

And that's mostly what I've done the rest of the day. I laid down on the couch for a while. Candace showed up, she took the bus to get here on her own. And she tried looking after me, but I just asked to be allowed to rest. So she told me to holler for her if I needed anything, and then she proceeded to help mom around the house.

I listened to them and watched some TV. I actually caught a bit of the news, it seems the traffic copter that had been recording the fight last night was able to record that the opponent had dragged The Stag away. He dragged The Stag under a bough of trees, which prevented the 'copter from being able to see them, and never emerged. Once the police arrived, they directed the police to check under those trees, but the police couldn't find anything. So we're still not sure where they went, or what's happened. But we do know that The Stag was taken by his opponent.

I texted Hal and Max what I'd learned so they would know. But by that point I was feeling pretty tired, so I went into my bedroom and took a nap. I don't know how long I was out, but I woke to find Candace had joined me. Me moving about woke her, and she apologized saying she hoped I didn't mind. I think if I was in my right mind I might have found it weird, but at the time I found it nice, sweet even. She was concerned about me and just wanted to make sure she was there if I needed.

It was a nice nap though, and I woke feeling much better, even a little energized. So I got around and we helped Mom with dinner. Sam showed up just before Dad got home and took Candace home. They both apologized that they couldn't stay and appreciated us inviting them, but they had things to do tonight.

So it was just me and the parents tonight. Which was nice and comforting.

I'm heading to bed early though, whatever good the nap did for me, it didn't last. Hopefully I get some good rest tonight. Hal texted, asking about about me joining him for class. I told him we'll have to wait and see how I feel tomorrow.

February 18th, 2018

Today was one of those increasingly rare days where not a whole lot happens. It was kinda nice, except Hal was off doing things with Tim. He did pick me up in the morning for our workout, and stopped by for lunch. It's been a little over two weeks since I sent Efe's letter. So a response from him should be arriving soon. Knowing that I asked Hal if he could get the pictures that we'd taken of everyone printed out so I'd have them ready to send. At lunch he let me know where he'd taken them and gave me the ticket to pick them up. So I did that on the way home.

Mom was a little worried that I'd gotten home a bit late, but having run that chore reminded me I needed to get pictures of her and Dad too. So we had a little fun with that, and at Dad's expense when he got home.

So I've got some more pictures to have printed, and I've just been working on the next letter to send him. With how all the weirdness has been hitting the news, I've decided to start filling him in on anything he can confirm. Assuming he hasn't already heard about it. The tree and the riots, The Stag, though I left out DIA because we're really not sure what happened there. I didn't go into all the stuff we've been talking about during our conspiracy dinners, just what's shown up in the major news articles.

Of course I had to mention the town of Albany, WY. Which I did some checking, they haven't found anyone else yet. Of course there's all the other missing persons cases, and the found persons cases. I haven't been mentioning them, but every day it seems there's more.

I also let Efe know what's been going on with my little death. I didn't tell him exactly why I'd gone to Dr. Laurie in the first place, just that we'd taken some more scans, what was found, and what's to be done.

Not wanting to dwell on the bad, I mentioned meeting Efe's parents. But the big thing was going to the open night with Max and Candace and how much fun we'd had there.

I now have a short story of a letter to send, and I haven't even gotten a letter from him to respond to. At least I'm prepared this time.

February 12th, 2018

I finally got a call back from Dr. Laurie about my brain scan. He said we needed to talk and we've set up an appointment for Wednesday. If everything was fine, he'd have said so. Still having an appointment to go over specifics would be okay. But he didn't say things are fine. I'm kinda freaking out here.

He had called in the morning hoping we might be able to schedule something today or tomorrow. But I've got work, and when I get off he's busy the rest of the day, so Wednesday was our first chance.

Not much else to say. Thanks to Dr. Laurie's call I've spent most of the day in a daze. There was a lot of talk about The Stag, even Max was texting me all day. I let Hal know what was going on when he stopped by for lunch. After work he picked me up and brought me straight home. It was a nice evening with him and my parents. Dad even let us have the TV, so we watched an episode of Supergirl since Hal's not up to the current season of Supernatural. And Ice cream, we didn't have banana's, but we did have cookie's and cream.

January 29th, 2018

Monday's are always nice. They can be pretty boring once in a while, but boring is relaxing compared to the weekend it always follows. And with tomorrow being Tuesday, business usually picks up just enough to make the day go by and then it's my weekend!

That said, I'm going to have a lot going on this weekend. Tomorrow night is when we're all going to be staying over at Candace's. I spent some time poking at Max today just to remind her and and get her planning for it. Hal was much easier. We talked about how we could pull it off at the gym, and he confirmed during lunch. Then after picking me up, we went to his place and packed up an overnight bag for him. Afterward I helped him get as much homework done as I could. It wasn't so much me answering questions, as he dictated to me while I typed up his paper. It was kinda fun. If something didn't make sense to me, I'd ask, and it'd prompt him to reword the sentence. I think it worked out well.

With both of us working on his paper though, I texted Mom and asked if I could bring Hal over for dinner. She said that'd be fun, so I invited Hal. Given his confession of wanting to try other culture's cuisines, he was thrilled to try what Mom had made. It was a lot of fun. But short, because of course he still had homework to do.

So I've been putting together my own overnight bag and thinking about how these next two days are going to work out. Candace did get a hold of me to say that Sam was okay with everything, though he was hoping we could use public transportation. He did say if we couldn't, he'd give us a ride, it's just that he does have a lot to do. So I looked up the routes and I'm pretty sure I can get us there.

Tomorrow I'll bring my overnight bag when Hal picks me up. We'll hit the gym as usual, and then he'll take my bag with him while I go to work. Now because tomorrow he'll have lab, I'll take the bus directly to Candace's. When Hal gets out, he'll meet us there with my bag. That way we're good for the night. Because Hal and Max have school, they both mentioned wanting to try and get some sleep early and then we'll wake them for the eclipse. Hopefully afterward they can get some rest again before having to get up for class.

Since I'll have the day off, I've elected to just stay with Candace and I could go home at my leisure, or Hal can pick me up, I've got options. What'll happen though is that Candace and I will set out to go to the church where donations are being made for Jane Doe. We'll try and get some canned goods or something along the way, and I did find that there's a stop by a store where we can do that in between buses. So that should work out. Depending on how that goes, we should have plenty of time to get home before Hal gets off work. My worry is that normally he'd try to come see me at lunch, and I don't know what I'm going to tell him then. I've got some time to think about it though.

So yea, big two days. And with all that happening on Wednesday, I'll have to do my chores on Thursday. I was going to try and get my hair cut this week, might have to put that off till next week. We'll see.

January 23rd, 2018

It's been a quiet day. Which has only given me time to dwell on my little death. Hal was good enough to not go pushing his theories on me today. Instead, he was genuinely sweet by simply asking how I was doing and if he could do anything for me. Our workout was nice, lunch was great. We managed to have a decently normal conversation. We looked over movies that were showing on Wednesday and decided there wasn't anything on we were burning to see. Hal reminded me that we'd only gotten a few episodes in to Supernatural and he was itching to watch more. So our date night will be a night in. We'll order some food for delivery, since it is a date night, and we'll curl up on his couch and watch as many episodes of Supernatural as we can stand. In all honesty that'll probably be three episodes before I have to get home.

But because he had lab tonight I was back to taking the bus home. It's nice having dinner with Mom and Dad. Seems like it never happens any more. It is almost like I'm visiting them for a change.

But with nothing else to do, I found myself in my room just browsing news articles to see what I can find. I haven't found anything particularly new, some things on the vigilante but nothing very informative. But I did find something from DIA that I'd missed. It happened while we were on vacation, and then with New Years, and then the vigilante showed up after that. It's no wonder I'd missed it.

So on Dec. 29th, there was an incident at DIA involving Bunny Rinne. It sounds like she was flying out for a competition and while she was headed to her flight a service door had burst open and she was struck. I'm not finding any explanation for what caused the door to burst open, but DIA spokespersons were very apologetic. Bunny wasn't seriously hurt, she even laughed it off saying she'd gotten bigger bruises on the slopes.

I'll have to remember to mention this next Saturday. But it is odd that so much weird stuff is happening at DIA. Lost and found aren't finding anything even though people are losing them. The plane crash in August, the other plane that crashed into the concourse, electrical problems. And now doors are flying open and striking people. I found myself browsing visitor comments, and there's a lot more being said by people that isn't making the news.

A number of people have had their luggage wander off. They'll park it next to their seat as they wait, and when the look their bags'll be three feet away. One said his bag was halfway back down the concourse before he found it. But none of their things were missing.

Food has been going missing. One lady said she'd got up to refresh her drink only to find her table completely cleaned off when she returned. She was complaining that the restaurant staff had cleared away her food before she'd finished eating. Another commenter mentioned that the restaurant she was complaining about didn't wait tables because it was commons area seating. People were expected to clean up after themselves. Which still meant someone else walked away with her food.

There's plenty more complaints, but not so easily categorized. I think the only thing common is that the items in question are all items that are set aside. The luggage is usually within reach, but the people who have it wander off are always distracted. And as often as not, they'll get up to talk to the gate agents, leaving their luggage behind. And these are things people are warned about all the time, never leave your luggage unattended.

Oddly though, for all that's going on, actual theft reports seem to be down. In fact there's been a couple of incidents where an item that was reported stolen made it's way back to the shelf where it belonged to be found by employees the following morning. One young person actually turned themselves in to DIA authorities, admitting that they had stolen a found things. The reason they turned themselves in? They said they were being harassed, but couldn't say by who.

I have to bring this up on Saturday.