Cashier at the co-op: how you doing, Hun?

Me: better. I just had an acupuncture session.

Cashier: oh, were you in pain otherwise?

Me: yeah, emotional.

Her: oh, yeah… that happens sometimes.

Awkward laugh in acknowledgment.

Lying flat, needles pinning me still… staring at the ceiling, or maybe within. The perfect time to grieve. Before she was done poking, I had asked for a remedy for mental overstimulation... aka mental anguish, and she placed a few needles all around my scalp. Quieting medicine. Thank you, Abby.

Now, I am ready to crash. Processing grief is draining.