Today, on our final day in Virginia, I awoke with a migraine. This is typical for me following a stressful experience. It’s as if my body has been holding it all together and doesn’t have to any more. I shuffled to the bathroom, dampened a washcloth, pressed it to my head and took Excedrin. I crawled back into bed, murmuring apologies to Andrea for my body’s betrayal.
“I know this happens.” Andrea said, sympathetically.
Thankfully, the headache soon passed.
On Sunday of this trip, our realtor, Michele, had texted us to ask if we were feeling alright. Her text rolled through as we were emailing her to put an offer in on a home. Our timing is impeccable. She’d suddenly been flattened by illness after we’d parted ways with her on Saturday. We were both fine. Michele dragged herself to the doctor to learn she had a fever and upper respiratory infection. After visiting the doctor, Michele and her laptop got into bed and put together a contract for us.
Michele told us that the seller’s agent had indicated they were anticipating another offer. A cash offer. Andrea and I both groaned and texted Michele, “Should we just forget it?”
Cash. Cash is king.
Michele wasn’t deterred. She pressed on as I grew sullen and grouchy. Petulant, like spoiled child. I went to bed and stayed there far longer than I should on Monday. Sulking in my pajamas and lying across the bed. Andrea holds it together - adult like. Though she confesses that she had stress filled dreams where we were both crying and having a meltdown in the presence of our realtor.
We came here to find a home and it feels like we’re going to return home without having identified a place to live. Our second choice is $70k more. Within reach but not the direction we wanted to go - Andrea and I choosing to view this opportunity as a means to downshift. Live more simply.
At 1218 PM yesterday, Michele texted us, “Guess what?!” And I felt a small bud of hope in my chest. I figured her next words would not be, “Ya’ll are fucked.”
“What?!” Andrea replied. “Coconut pie?!” Referring to how Michele had confided her love of dessert to us and Andrea asked what a southern dessert was - Michele replied coconut pie.
Turns out the cash offer had some contingencies in their offer. Bless their heart.
We’re under agreement. Inspection is on Thursday so keep your fingers crossed.
As the good news slowly seeps in and penetrates, I at last ready myself to leave the hotel room. The weather feels like spring and Andrea and I visit the Natural Bridge State Park. Andrea’s in short sleeves. It’s in the 60s.
Alabama, Arkansas
I do love my ma and pa
Not that way that I do love you
Well, holy moley, me oh my
You're the apple of my eye
Girl, I've never loved one like you
Man, oh man, you're my best friend
I scream it to the nothingness
There ain't nothing that I need
Well, hot and heavy, pumpkin pie
Chocolate candy, Jesus Christ
Ain't nothing please me more than you
Ah, home, let me come home
Home is wherever I'm with you
Ah, home, let me come home
Home is wherever I'm with you
La, la, la, la, take me home
Mommy, I'm coming home
I'll follow you into the park
Through the jungle, through the dark
Girl, I never loved one like you
Moats and boats and waterfalls
Alleyways and pay phone calls
I've been everywhere with you
That's true, laugh until we think we'll die
Barefoot
-Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
Comments