Drex teaches an 8:30 a.m. class Monday, Wednesday, and Friday— so for the past week, I’ve spent the mornings lying on the couch watching the girls play.

They know how sick I’ve been feeling, and they’ve been sweet about keeping each other entertained. Sonya brought out blankets and made beds for herself and Leena. They snuggled down with some travel books— their favorite things to “read” to themselves. Then the girls made a train to take to Rome and Sri Lanka.

For the past week, I’ve been depressingly absent from family life, like a large cut-out hole in my shape taking up space on the couch, dimly awake, mostly miserable. But when I opened my eyes, I felt so happy and grateful for home— the home I usually help tend and cultivate. I have good people around me.

Today, I felt my illness turn a corner. I’m on the road to recovery. I want to hurry up and get well. Fall is here! It’s time for autumn adventures to start!