Highlights: Lauren returned to Sacramento at 8:53. I spent about an hour drinking my own coffee at a table in the shade of Philz in Cupertino marketplace before picking my mom up and taking her to Day 1 of the next chemo round. It's a shorter one- only two days of shots and the week of venetaclax. She is in excellent spirits. The meds, the counseling, or both are helping. The shortened and reduced amount this time will hopefully lessen any emotional impacts. T took me to lunch at L. G. Cafe: We split an omelet and corned beef on rye. Mark and a friend arrived as we set the bill, and we confirmed dinner at their place. Tommy suggested going to an earlier showing of Despicable Me 4, and we did, which felt also like a bonding opportunity. Tommy showed up for dinner at the Mariani's unexpectedly which was nice, too. I believe he has demons to wrestle and hope that while we are in a good space, he feels safe getting in that ring. Mark and I rode through Bel Gatos, Harwood and Loneldill. These rides inspire me to write about life with a focus on character. I know, me?? I agree. And therein lies the problem.