#fenixtj

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Later, after her parents are gone, Diego comes in, "Jessica?"

"Si, Diego?"

"Your folks left early, one noticed. What happened?" He inquires

"It's complicated."

"And... family."

"Ah" he sighs sympathetically, "Familia is always complicated. Even loving ones leave a few scars that remain tender"

She nods, agreeing.

"Can I get you a drink? And do you want to talk about it?"

"No... and no, but thanks for asking. I mean it." and she does.

"Anytime. Need some space then?" he offers "I'll find things to keep the usual well meaning meddlers busy"

"Yeah. But not so much as to lock me out, right? There are things I need to know."

"I might go for a run."

"I meant space, not fences" he assures "But hey, enjoy your run"

"Thanks. Just a short one." Mind you, she was on long-distance in high school so 'short' may be relative. She stands and goes to get ready.

And Diego makes sure folks mind their own business unless there is something important up

And Jess goes for a run. A hard run, something demanding.

She moves her legs with intensity,her personal thoughts her own, and maybe she can out run whatever they are.

or at least clear them

She races and sees neighbors she has made into friends or at least acquaintances.

But for now, it's the run; the activity, the distance, the goal.

And she looks for that runner's high, that clarity of movement!

It takes time, and effort... but she starts to feel 'the zone'

She knows it, she believes in it, she can find it.

And she finds it, that space between the steps, that moment between the miles

Time passes in that bliss, and she loses track of it

_Because, just now and for this, it does not matter+

And that's wonderful

And she returns to find Diego waiting for her, a cup of coffee in one hand, water in the other... which ever she wants to take