My New Normal vs. Counterfactuals
When I arrived at my Tiny Cottage after my writers' group meeting, I found this little yellow bucket hanging from the doorknob for the second time, and I knew there would be a message therein. The bucket came to me from my daughter Alia, filled with flowers for Mother's Day. It sits on a wooden easel outside my door for no reason other than I've chosen to not deal with either one. The first time I found the bucket hanging I was unnerved (imaginary banjo music seeped into my brain) but I found a note inside from the lady who cleans the landlords' home. She was worried about Tigger, a lanky dark orange Tabby, that was mad at her and hiding or lost in the woods. That first time, she left her phone number in the bucket, so I called to tell her Tigger was asleep in the kitchen and just fine. Today, she left a note with orange flowers from the Trumpet Vine (which is creeping into my house through any crack it can find) and a thank-you, and a message that Tigger stil...