Nexus Crossings OOC

It's sometimes hard for Janet to find things to be thankful for. As much as she appreciates that she's able to do what she do, and especially the people she does it with, she doesn't characterize herself as lucky or blessed. She knows those things were earned through years of hard work—both literally and working on herself. That's another one of the ways Anthony Brennan's realistic outlook has shaped her: take credit for the things that go well, and take responsibility for those that don't. Luck exists, but it's never the root cause.

This year, it's a little bit easier because it's easier to look backward. Knowing that by next Thanksgiving the transfer of power will be nearly official—Brennan's retirement paperwork will have been filed and Michael will have been offered his job. There's always the chance Kettinger wants to appoint someone else, but given that Kettinger likes Michael and also wouldn't want to risk the wrath of Brennan, it's basically a done deal. Janet has been thinking about everything she appreciates for months now and she'll keep doing it until the day it all changes.

First and foremost is the man sitting next to her. Michael Davis has been by her side almost every day since he was 22, and she knows exactly how much that means. It baffles her that no one else appreciated him the way that she does, or did they not see what she sees? Even just watching him half-watching the TV she admires him. The way he's hardly seemed to age, the grace he has even at rest, when she feels like she just throws herself on the furniture. They may not do much in the way of holiday celebrations—but they have everything she needs.

( cut for length )

[1620 words]