A Day of Renewal

After I'd finished cleaning the house, making sure every trace of Vince and our night was gone, I tossed my bedding into the washer. I enjoy the simple pleasures of clean bedding and how fresh it smells.

Next, I decided my hair and I both needed a fresh start. I headed to the salon, walking in with a nervous but excited energy. My stylist was Chloe, a sibling of a childhood friend, greeted me with a warm smile.

"DeppGrl, is that really you?" she exclaimed, her eyes widening in recognition.

"Chloe! I know, right? It's been forever!" I laughed, settling into the chair. "I need a change. My hair is getting so heavy since it’s so long, maybe to just above my shoulders?"

She nodded, already assessing my hair. "Above the shoulders? You got it. Time for a whole new vibe." 

As she worked, she noticed my hair was pretty fried. "Your hair's looking a little... parched," she observed gently. "Let's do a hair mask, it'll make a world of difference." I agreed, and the cool, creamy mask felt amazing. We chatted about everything and nothing, catching up on old friends and where life had taken us. "Oh, and I was also hoping to get a bikini wax today if you have time," I added.

"No problem at all, we can definitely fit that in," Chloe assured me.

Once the mask was rinsed, the bikini wax done, and my hair was styled, she led me to the front.

"Alright, so for everything, it'll be $95," Chloe said, then added, "But with the 'friend of the stylist' discount, your total is $45."

"Oh my god, thank you so much, Chloe!" I said, genuinely touched. "You're the best."

"Anytime! It was great seeing you," she replied, beaming.

My next stop was the nail salon. I'd just done my own nails, I opted for a much-needed pedicure. I sank into the plush massage chair, letting the warm, bubbling water soothe my tired feet. The gentle hum of the salon and the soft chatter around me were incredibly relaxing. I closed my eyes, just for a moment, and before I knew it, I was drifting off.

A soft chuckle brought me back. "Well, look who decided to catch some Zs," a familiar voice teased. It was Maria, the salon owner, a woman I'd known for years.

I blinked, a little disoriented. "Maria! Oh my gosh, I am so sorry! I didn't mean to fall asleep!"

She waved her hand dismissively. "Honey, don't even worry about it. You looked like you needed it. You were out for a good thirty minutes."

I laughed, feeling a bit sheepish but also wonderfully rested. "Thank you for letting me. It was a much needed nap."

After paying and making sure to tip the employee generously, I stepped out of the salon. My feet felt incredible, my hair looked amazing, and I felt a sense of lightness and renewal.

I drove home, the late afternoon sun streaming through the window. Walking through my front door, I immediately went to the bathroom mirror. I stared at my reflection, turning my head from side to side. The person looking back almost didn't seem like me – the shorter hair, the refreshed glow, the feeling of something undeniably new. But it was me, undeniably. The changes weren't just external; they had settled deep inside. Before I packed it, I sat down and opened my journal, filling a few pages with thoughts about work, trying to empty my mind of it. Then, I pulled out my suitcase and tucked the journal inside. It felt important to have it with me, a silent confidante to capture whatever moments unfolded when Randy and I were at the cabin. Just in case.