Not Anymore

Yesterday afternoon, Herself had a telephone conversation with long-term Acquaintance to arrange for Acquaintance to visit for Offspring the Third's birthday.  In the course of the conversation, Acquaintance commented on why Herself's attending of a relative's complex medical appointment last week was helpful:

You're not easily flustered by people.  Well, you are by me, but not by other people.

If seemed like a little poke, designed to put Herself off balance.  Herself ignored the statement. She would not take the bait.

Yesterday evening, when Acquaintance was visiting, Herself felt -- for the very first time in as long as she could remember -- calm and unruffled.  She allowed the little irritating things Acquaintance said to roll away. She remained unperturbed. It was a magnificent sensation.

Why the change?

For the first time, Herself understood at last that she truly does have Backup.

She was not alone. She was protected. She was safe.

Easily flustered by Acquaintance?  Oh, I think not.  Not anymore.

Herself would cry for happiness.