Invitation

"You made it!" they teased her as Leah sat down. "I ask myself two questions every morning to determine whether or not I'll leave the house," she responded. "Number 1: do I feel confident that I can bring my best self to the day and, Number 2, do I feel confident that, in failing to bring that best self, I can avoid both nefarious actions and prison time?" They all laughed, but Leah kept her serious expression. "To invite me anywhere is an exercise in trust, and I commend you for your bravery; to accept an invitation in an exercise in self-control, which is more about luck." She toasted them when the drinks arrived, loving them enough to warn them.