When she first came to visit, I wasn’t surprised; March Break was coming, and she often arrives around this time. Most days, she showed up in the late afternoon, hung around until bedtime and then left, sated. I reminded myself that there was no point in pretending she wasn’t coming, no point in ignoring her – better to accept her visits and maybe go to bed a little earlier than usual to help send her on her way.
But since the beginning of this week, five days before break, she’s been here every day. Some days, I swear she shows up first thing in the morning and lingers until lights out. I can’t shake her. I’ve tried warm baths and early bedtimes. Still, she’s there the minute I open my eyes, laughing. “You thought I’d leave?” Her shoulders shake as she chuckles, “You know better.”
At work, she’s been messing with my calendar: every day this week I’ve found myself accidentally double-booked for at least one meeting. I’m usually very good with time management, so I’m sure it’s her fault. And she’s making me very grumpy. I’m trying to ignore her, but she’s *always* there, and I have to admit my temper is short. She’s even infiltrated my writing – I’ve been posting later and later even though I’m often a morning writer.
The good news is that March Break starts at the end of the day tomorrow. She may try to accompany me on vacation, but I have a feeling that some serious family time, a lack of commitments and, yes, some morning sleep-ins will let her know that it’s time to leave. After all, I much prefer her more pleasant sister, Energy.
Persistence and Pedagogy 
I feel this! I love the way you bring her to life even as she tries to drain your energy. Strength for tomorrow! We are almost there.
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One more day!
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Talk about personification! I absolutely love your writing.
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Oh, thank you!
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I hear you, sister. Enjoy your break! I have TWO more weeks before ours. By that time there may be additional unwanted friends visiting me. I woke up today and seriously thought it was Friday. Boo-hoo.
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Oh my goodness – I know we always make it to break, but I’m not sure I could go another two weeks. Sending you strength!
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This was wonderful. Such good writing how you personified fatigue.
And this could not be more timely. She has been visiting me everyday, all day, for weeks now. It’s awful.
I hope you make it through tomorrow and get some rest and energy!
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This reading brain went to appreciation of personification first, then really kicked into gear, prompting further searching online that dug up: apostrophe (the figure of speech, not the punctuation). Among the things I can’t shake: crafty, creative wordplay.
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I really appreciate the personification here. Such a clever approach. I’m wishing you a wonderful, restorative break. There truly seems to be an epidemic of exhaustion these days. Great slice!
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Oh fatigue… such an unwelcome guest. We just had break two weeks ago and she’s already sneaking back in. Rest up!
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No! Tell that sneak to stay away! (Here’s hoping the weekend is restful.)
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After the group conversation the other night, I wondered which friend might be showing up. I am hoping you can banish this particular visitor for a while, at least. Her sister would be so nice to spend time with.
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