Things that were once a part of us are gone.

Stitches and staples.

Audrey took the DIY approach to the removal of her stitches, like the stud that she is.

I, however, heeding logical sounding advice I read on the internet that the amateur removal of surgical staples frequently ends badly, made an appointment with my new family doctor. What better introduction to a healer than, "Hi. I apparently fall down for no reason sometimes and split my head open. Other than that don't expect to see me much."

Noticing Audrey clutching my hand as he worked, yet sensing I was not actually in any pain, the doctor whispered in my ear, suggesting to me that, "If someone wants to give you sympathy, the least you can do is act like you need it. I mean this hurts, right?"

Never waste an opportunity to receive love.

I fake grimaced and squinted. Audrey squeezed harder on my hand.

"Will I ever play the violin again, Doc?" I asked

"With practice," he said.

"Not really worth it," I replied.

To quote Modest Mouse, "The universe is shaped exactly like the earth. If you go straight long enough you end up where you were."

We ended this part of our adventure where it began: With a smoothie.