I pat my pockets absently for the item I’ve forgotten, rummaging through the detritus on the desk, the overflowing “in case of” items in my bag.

I’m missing something.

I go back upstairs to see if I left it there but nothing catches the faint haunting thought in my brain. Wallet yes, keys yes, gloves yes.

What is it?

I check the bathroom as I often leave things sitting on the windowsill or sink, set aside during teeth brushing or other ablutions.

Nope.

I’m out of time. Whatever it is, I hope I really don’t need it because I’m going to have to leave without it. I open the door, step out onto the porch and freeze.

It’s you.

I’m missing you.

Your absence in my life is still enough of a novelty to send me off in a flurry of activity searching for whatever it is that will make me whole, because I simply never am.

A tear escapes my eye, chased down my cheek by an eager sibling.

Deep breaths.

I don’t have time for grief today.

———— SavvySpoonie 2026