Practiced the chant in the apartment rather than the car. Standing makes a difference. I can take a full breath without the seat belt across me, although the longer phrase still runs out before I expect it to. Tried again with my shoulders down. Less pressure in the throat that time. The room was dry and I stopped for water; forcing the last notes was making my voice rough. I had not noticed how firmly I was holding the edge of the counter until I let go. My fingers were stiff. The neighbor moved something against the wall. Finished more quietly, which required a little less air but was not nearly as satisfying.

A customer wants smaller quantities of cups twice as often. My first thought was that he was avoiding a larger invoice. I checked his payment history; it does not support that conclusion. He says the boxes block the passage behind the counter, which I have seen myself. The delivery cost is still a problem. I wrote out two options, then noticed that I was calculating how to prove his request unreasonable rather than whether the route could accommodate it. His diner is close to an existing stop. That may make it workable. I need the warehouse schedule before I promise anything. It is possible this is simply a man with too many boxes.

My father called to ask whether I had eaten. No receipt to check, no problem with the cab. I spent the first minute waiting for the actual request. He had stopped near a place that made the lentil soup my mother likes and was offering to bring me some. I said I had food. Then I called back and said yes. Felt foolish doing that over soup, but I was pleased when he arrived carrying the container upright in both hands. We ate together at my small table. He stayed less than an hour. After he left, I wished I had asked him to stay for tea instead of beginning to stack the bowls while he was still speaking.