Page 113 of Havoc's Fox

“Negative shit replaying in your mind for all of your life can reprogram you.”

“Yes, it can.”

“When are you going to stop lingering on negative shit?”

“Can you not see I’m trying to work some things out here?”

“Yes, I can. I’m trying to help.”

“You’re not.”

“Oh. Well, let me try harder. Have you thought about when you’ll leave now that you missed your flight?”

“Not really.”

“Still want to leave?”

“Not really.”

“Want to go talk to Havoc?”

“Not really.”

“Okay. Think maybe you should at least call your boss?”

“Not really.”

Emmalyn started laughing.

“What?”

“That wasn’t what I expected you to say.”

“I know. I’ll call my boss a little later. Right now, I just need to be… here.”

“Here?”

“Yep. Just in the moment. Here. Me. No outside distractions,” she said pointedly glaring at Emmalyn.

“Alright. I’ll give you that. Let me know if you need something.”

“I’m working on it. You’ll know when I know.”

“I’m going to make spaghetti. You want some?” Emmalyn asked.

“Can you make some meatballs, too?” Analise asked.

“I can.”

“I love you,” Analise said, popping a chip into her mouth.

“I know. I love you, too,” Emmalyn said. “Don’t fill up on those, I’m not making spaghetti for nothing.”

“You sound like mom.”

“You look like mom.”

Analise sat quietly, eating her chips while the clatter of Emmalyn cooking just barely carried through to her subconscious. She had life choices to consider, and that required almost a complete lack of conscious thought on her part. She needed to just let down her defenses and let her emotions run free.