*Michael*

I set up my laptop on the dining table, which had a perfect—and distracting—view of the beach. The sound of gentle waves lapped against the shore, and the smell of a salty breeze wafted through the open windows.

Rays of morning sun bounced off the wet sand, bringing a sense of calmness that made me feel I could tackle anything even in the face of everything against us at the moment.

But before I could fully immerse myself in work, I had ...