Your phone buzzes.
“I’m so sorry. Can we do it another day?”
You read the message.
For a moment, you’re disappointed. You really were looking forward to seeing them.
You type back.
“No problem.”
You put your phone down and go back to what you were doing.
A minute later, you notice you’ve taken a deeper breath.
Your shoulders aren’t as tight.
The rest of the evening feels different somehow.
Only then do you realize the strongest feeling isn’t disappointment.
It’s relief.