I took the long way home, intentionally avoiding the highway. I needed time to think and find a way to break the news to Angela. She had pleaded for me not to go back into the business. After the downsizing at Oracle, what choice did I have? GlobTrak was the only place left for me to turn.

Driving the back woods of Virginia, I found new appreciation for the quiet calm of nature. I think I could be truly happy at GlobTrak, and I needed to get Angela on board. A small flower shop on the corner gave me an idea.

“That’ll be $37.50.â€? I handed the cashier two twenties, “keep the change,â€? I smiled as I grabbed my dozen tulips and walked out. It felt good to be able to afford things again. And I could feel myself smiling for the first time in months. “Everything is going to be ok,â€? I whispered to myself climbing back into the car.

The front door was wide open, light bleeding onto the porch. I raced up the stoop. “Angela?â€? I screamed at the house. Standing in the doorway, the flowers tumbled from my hand. “Angela?â€?