I’m sure that my upcoming appointment triggered the melancholic recollection facing me this morning. 

There seemed to be a pill for everything these days but of course they hadn’t yet eclipsed the discovery phase for selective annihilation of memory or emotions.  I’d have to learn to live with them and all the regrets that ran parallel I suppose. 

Mirthlessly, it occurs to me that it may be a good accessory to a broken heart but I hope my ankle doesn’t get twisted as I run from meeting locations.  These heels complemented my fashionable suit but were far from practical.

Already behind schedule by an hour when noon approached, I chastised myself about not getting here before seven this morning.  I had overslept as a consequence of my inability to slip into unconsciousness until the early hours. 

The fact that it wasn’t a unique occurrence was taking its toll.  In addition, the list of tasks entreating completion had not taken pity, unforgiving of my state of exhaustion. 

This had been a coup for the gallery under my helm.  Three galleries competed for the collection and we’d secured the exhibit based on promises I meant to keep.  My goal to make it equally exceptional to any touchstone.  Much like the success of…of Provocations. 

Much unlike, if not the complete antithesis of the disaster and aftermath of my personal failure.

Glancing at the clock hanging across the hall, my festering irritation became a distraction as I searched for the crew’s foreman who should have been managing the move of majority of our permanent collection. Well perhaps more appropriately the ‘semi-permanent’ collection since it was being temporarily relocated to the storage area to showcase the sculptures. 

I needed a drink.  Or better jokes to entertain myself.

James are you there? I spoke into a two-way radio.  “Hello, James…pick up please.”

Yet another missing person for me to find I mutter to myself.  These people benefited from the fact that things between Tina and me were calmer than they had ever been since she’d left.  As an extension, a tranquility and camaraderie resurfaced with our friends. 

The warmth previously ‘temporarily relocated’,  much like my permanent collection needed to be in the next two days – had been restored for all intents and purposes.  Instead of just sending a gift or joining the celebrant post festivities for a private moment, I had been with everyone for Dana’s birthday.