Sometimes we don’t realize when we are in a slump. And sometimes we don’t realize when someone is throwing us a lifeline.

This story was actually written over a year ago. You'll see that history (especially comebacks) unfolded differently than in the story.

It was inspired after I read about the Korean process of mourning, with observances at certain intervals, for example the 100th day, and the wearing of dark colors until the final ceremony is observed.