Page 55 of AMS.TER.strum

He is a great friend, and I need those.

‘I’m doing my best.’

With my workload being nonexistent, I do have some free time, so I do my best to replenish my depleted sleep reserves. With travelling restrictions having reduced moving to a minimum, the customer service job I got while being pregnant with the babies—since I needed the security of a permanent contract, which includes proper insurance—feels like paid holidays right now, and I’m grateful there have been no layoffs so far.

I’m not destitute in case it does happen, still, it feels a lot safer to have a salary flowing monthly, regardless of how not-exactly-fascinating the job sounds. In need of a mindset that would make it more exciting, I leaned into the problem-fixing part, which seems to be a family trait, with Dad being a klusjesman—he only half-jokes that handymen are more sought-after than doctors—and Mom a psychologist.

‘I wish I was there to babysit and give a helping hand,’ Luuk says, looking eager.

‘So do I! I’d watch you deal with two mini tornadoes who are unable to sit still and manage to stir up trouble, even where you’re sure there isn’t any. Daily workout, every day, see how long you’d last, my friend.’

He cocks an eyebrow. ‘I’m younger, remember? More energy…’

I stick out my tongue at him. ‘Way to rub it in, friend.’

‘If you got it, you gotta flaunt it.’

We hang up shortly after, promising to talk next week, but also to add a video call in-between.

I have just brought Ada to the living room, when my phone pings.

Dory

Care for some sourdough starter?

Dory

Then you can join my online sessions.

My friend’s business has also been affected, so she’s added online courses to her services. With everyone going stir-crazy at home, attendance is impressive.

Me

Does not being sold on the sourdough madness make me a gourmet pariah?

Me

Are you still my friend after the confession?

Dory

Absolutely!

Dory

FYI, you’re not a pariah.

Dory

People go nuts by being stuck at home.

Dory

Folding that dough is the highlight of their day.

Me

Glad it keeps the business running.