January 11, 2025

I was wondering if I should cut my New Years break short and head home on the 2nd instead of the 3rd. I kept checking the calendar on my phone while rehearsing what to tell my parents.

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I had returned back to Vancouver after the holidays and entered the home through the open garage door. I walked upstairs to meet my neighbor making bacon and cheese sandwiches. She asked me if I wanted normal or thick ham. I passed on the offer, as I felt bad about immediately asking for breakfast after just getting back.

A group of my housemate’s friends had arrived and settled themselves onto the couch. I awkwardly joined them in silence, unsure if I was also invited to whatever gathering was going on. Apparently they were still waiting for someone but were hungry enough to start opening several bags of chips.

I followed their example and started snacking alongside them, but the moment I reached over to dip my chips in a jar of salsa someone looked towards me and gave me a look. “I didn’t say you could.”, she snipped in an accusatory tone. I immediately backed down with a “oh shit I’m so sorry,” ready to excuse myself from the premises at moments notice. “I forgot you were even here” she said.