The first few nights back in Alpine were difficult. Her parents' home was welcoming, but it was also quiet, too quiet compared to the chaos of LA. She had trouble sleeping, and the empty spaces reminded her of everything she had lost: her marriage, her trust, her sense of self. But slowly, she began to settle.
Therapy sessions helped more than she had thought they would. She had seen a therapist regularly, both here and in LA, but here she could confront the deeper issues..why she had allowed herself to stay in a toxic marriage, the fear of losing her independence again, and the guilt she carried over the miscarriage she had blamed herself for. Unpacking these emotions was emotionally exhausting, but it was also liberating.
Every day, Jossy had a routine. She rose early, fed the horses in the stables behind their house, and let them graze while she sipped coffee on the back porch. She spent a few hours tending to a small garden her mother had encouraged her to keep, enjoying the simple satisfaction of pulling weeds, watering tomatoes, and watching the sun shine over the ripening fruit.
Early afternoons to early evenings were reserved for work. She logged into Lennox's digital marketing platform from her laptop, headphones in, a playlist of soft classical music helping her focus while looking at what the assistants who reported to her were up to, and she offered guidance. She would also review the product performance herself, and give her supervisor George feedback. The remote setup allowed her to stay connected to projects she loved without being in LA, and knowing she could do it from the safety of her home eased her anxiety.