Alice held her coffee in both hands, savoring the warmth. There was a hint of light coming in the kitchen window but was only evident because she had the lights off. It was not dawn yet and the house was quiet. She was normally an early riser and took her first coffee in quiet solitude, using the time to think and plan.
She had softly padded out of her bedroom and left Wheeler in her bed, not waking him. He was a bright spot in her life now but he was just a reminder that she could be happy. There was probably not anything long term to be had with him but he was, what was he? He was certainly a grand distraction, she mused, but would he stay with her? It was unlikely and she had no real expectations. No, he was a passing light in her life, placed at this time to illuminate parts of her that had been dark for some time that needed to be lit up. Thank you Wheeler, whoever you really are.
Alice’ thoughts wandered to what life had placed before her right now. She didn’t really lament the loss of Old Glorys, it was her mother’s passion, not hers. The Insurance settlement was on the way and could be used to rebuild or build something that was really her own but Alice wondered in this pre-dawn haze, what would that be? What would her passion be if she were to use the money to plant a root of her own choosing? She let the thought settle as she sipped her coffee. With the whole world at her disposal, what should she pick and choose? At least Stevie the pea-brain was occupied with the police and might just get the hint now, and leave her alone. Good riddance.
She mused over the schemes that Wheeler has started with the casino, with Davies and Wix and even Walt Carter. What an amazing and elaborate development for some outcome that she couldn't even guess. It seemed to be working but to what end, she had no idea. Walt had been a difficult neighbor certainly, and the water theft was a serious problem. The oil scheme Wheeler started would only delay some outcome that had to end up without any oil and without any water. Walt was going to be livid at least and may blow his gaskets in their direction. She hoped not.
Alice poured more coffee as the sky started to give way to morning. She felt she was giving way to another day, another opportunity and she let her natural optimism gain footing in her mind. Yes, she would use today to make her own plans and see about starting a new life for herself.