Research properties in town
Home office setup for remote advisory work
New routines and structures
Healthcare: Transfer to local doctors, continue cardiologist remotely
Phase 3: New Life (Month 6+)
Explore consulting opportunities (limited, controlled hours)
Potential investments in local businesses (including resort?)
Long-term health maintenance plan
Build life with Jennifer
Phase 4: Accountability
Weekly check-ins with therapist (need to find one)
Daily health tracking continues
Monthly reviews: Am I keeping my commitments?
Exit clause: If I slip back, what's the intervention plan?
I include data. Research. Links to articles about successful founder transitions. Floor plans for potential home offices.Comparisons of local therapists. Even heart-healthy recipes I've found online.
By 3 a.m., the document is forty-seven pages long.
It's excessive. Obsessive. Completely over the top.
It's perfect.
I take a break, check my blood pressure one more time: 132 over 84.
Almost back to normal.
Because I'm not stressed. I'm not anxious. I'm certain.
This is what I want. This life. This choice. Her.
***
The next morning at 8 a.m., exactly on time for when Jennifer used to arrive, I'm showered, dressed, and sitting on the deck with coffee. The forty-seven page document is now printed and sitting on the counter in the cabin, compliments of Mrs. Avery, who I had a very long conversation with last night.
I watch the driveway even though I know she won't come. She told me to take the time I needed and to call her when I'd decided.
I've decided.
I pull out my phone and look at her contact. My thumb hovers over the call button.
But then I have a better idea.
I text her instead:Can I come to you? I need to show you something.
The three dots appear immediately. She's been waiting.
