Early March
Spring break arrived like a gift from the universe a full week with no classes, no assignments, and the promise of actual rest.
"We should do something," Maya announced at breakfast on the first Saturday of break. "Like a trip. A real vacation."
Kai and I exchanged glances across the table.
"May-May, we can't really afford a vacation right now," I said gently. "Between rent and groceries and"
"I know, I know. Budget." She slumped in her chair dramatically. "But we never do anything fun. Just school and homework and stress."
She had a point. The last few months had been relentless midterms, Margaret's health scare, the constant juggling act of college and parenting. We'd barely had time to breathe, let alone have fun.
"What if we did something local?" Kai suggested. "Day trips. Beach, maybe the pier, that hiking trail you've been wanting to try."
Maya perked up. "Really?"
