Story: Personal Day

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This 333 word fill was inspired by amber_fire's prompt for the "Be Honest with Yourself" square of my February Valentines Bingo Card and the "First Snow" prompt for the 2023 February Ficlet Challenge Day 12.

Personal Day
 

   I had woken up to the first significant snowfall of the season, and I had important plans. I didn’t even bother justifying myself to my boss, just dialed their number, had a short conversation to take a personal day, and then turned my phone to do-not-disturb. 
 

   The drive to my favorite state park took a leisurely couple of hours. Once there I parked the car in the lonesome lot, popped the trunk to break out my snowshoes, and then locked up. The air was sharp and bright, low winter sun still in the East, and I had hours all to myself on the trails. Buckling into the snowshoes I marveled at the forest around me, draped in sparkling snow. 
 

   I chose the three mile river loop, but kept my pace serene; there was no need for me to rush this precious annual ritual. Every year, no matter how hectic life got around me, no matter how inconvenient the timing, I kept a private reservation with myself to take a mental health break. Some years it would be the kickoff to a wonderful winter season spent snowshoeing these woods, other years the first snow would mark the only trip I had time to make. But I hadn’t let myself down and canceled the trip in over a decade.
 

   Once I’d made it about three quarters of the way around the loop I took a break on the bank of the river to pop out my cellphone for another short call. I didn’t let myself look at alerts or notifications; I just dialed the second number, made the appointment, then slipped the phone back into my coat pocket. I had an appointment in four hours for a hot stone massage; the perfect follow-up to my frigid trek. 
 

   After the massage I’d consider where I’d enjoy going out to for dinner, and what wine I’d open before my bubble bath. Because I had important plans with myself every year on the day of the first snowfall.