I imagine that I am much like an athlete, bedridden this long year. As winter returns, I am struggling to sit up...to stand...eventually to walk and to run again. Muscles complain with strain and disuse, but force of will can gather them to function, once more.

I will learn to run faster and jump higher than I ever did before, but for now, even lifting my head on my own neck is an accomplishment for me to be proud of.

My shoulders ache with the buzz of trainwheels. Through the window there were trees growing through standing water and train tracks.

A dull muffling sleepiness hung over me the whole way home.

And welcome back.