We were hesitant to leave, but after a week of no power or water and no cell, Connie and I drove to Atlanta to spend two nights with Ruth and Ryan. On our way down to Atlanta we stopped by the Swamp Rabbit Cafe in Greenville and had a great lunch but as we walked back to our car Connie said, “What the ….??” She nodded at the apocalyptic marquee of a nearby church with a verse from Job about “The thick cloud loaded with moisture turns by the Lord’s guidance to do what he commands.” A sign that would’ve lasted two seconds back home. In Atlanta, we took showers, did laundry, napped with dogs and Ryan cooked an amazing meal. But it was strange to be in a regular place, where folks were going about their regular lives. After two days we headed home. When we drove through some rain we looked at each other, both feeling a touch of trauma. We stopped in Clayton and had a late lunch. Lots of traffic. A clutch of spunky Democrats stood on a corner waving Harris/Walz signs. When we arrived back home from Atlanta, it felt good to be back, even with no power and water. Just as we prepared for the oncoming dark, we heard a click and a buzz and the kitchen lights came on and we hollered and heard whoops of joy throughout the neighborhood.