For those of you who were wondering how long the "slow" code represented, this chapter is the beginning of the answer. While I will likely never reach anything approaching "stroke story" level, more is coming, I promise.
As some of you have determined, some degree of real life has found its way into this story. One example is my susceptibility to migraine headaches. I've gotten them most of my life, and Imitrex is the only medication that has ever successfully treated them. Unfortunately, it does have its side effects, many of which you have read about, including joint pain and a bit of an extended migraine hangover. I still prefer it to waiting the migraine out, but I have learned to just wrap myself in a blanket, crash in front of the television, and not make any important life choices after taking it.
As well, the first four paragraphs happened IRL, exactly as described, while training a new employee a few years back.
Beyond that, to quote another song by the late great Harry Chapin ... "Reality is only just a word." (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqZ-rkuUGKE)
Speaking of which, it was wonderful to meet a few fellow denizens of the Cheap Seats in response to last week's blog post.
I very much appreciate all the feedback, both positive and negative. I am, and will remain, indebted to jetson63 for his fabulous editing skills and input, but your feedback is also helping me develop a better story and become a better writer overall. Please keep it coming. Please also feel free to offer suggestions if you like. I can't promise to use it, but I promise to read it and consider it.
Have a great week, everyone.
-- DFLR