Fuel... Or the Lack Thereof

Bone tired. That’s what I am. Why have I been so tired lately?

Home sweet home. Nothing like pulling into my own driveway at the end of a busy day. I feel my smile stretch to my ears. Carmen and Samira are chatting in Carmen’s front yard.

“Hi, Amy!”

“Good evening! How is everyone?” I smile as I dodge the little kids running around in the yard. “I so wish I had their energy.”

“Tell me about it!” Carmen shakes her head. “They don’t slow down until bedtime.”

“Lately, I’ve been dragging. Badly. I'm tired all the time.”

“Is it work?” Samira’s sweet face is sympathetic.

“We’re busy, but I don’t know if it’s that. It’s never bothered me before. But anyway, I’m glad to find you together. I have a question or, more precisely, a request.”

They just look at me.

“I need recipes.”

“What sort of recipes?” Samira asks.

Carmen smiles. “Are you having a party?”  

“No. It’s just… I don’t need anything fancy. Just a few healthy meals that will last me a few days. I’ve been eating like crap. I don’t know what to cook or what to buy. I even had ice cream for dinner this week. T...”

Go on, Amy. Say it. These are your friends. They’ll still love you.

“Twice.”

Their mouths pop open simultaneously.

“What are you saying?” Carmen folds her arms. “Amy, are you seriously telling us that you ate ice cream for dinner, nothing else?"

“I know it sounds bad, but…”

“SOUNDS bad?” She looks at Samira. “What would you do if your kids did that?”

“For starters, I would toss the ice cream.”

Carmen turns back to me. “And you’re wondering why you’re tired?