Went home and Amma made me sit while she put oil in my hair, which sounds restful until she starts pulling every knot as if the whole head can be corrected by force. I was laughing and complaining both, then slowly stopped holding my shoulders up. Didn't know I was doing that. The left one felt easier with my arm resting on the chair instead of hanging, and I stayed there longer than necessary after she finished. Hair heavy, stomach waiting for lunch, no boots on. She said officer madam can at least get her own plate. Fine! Even one hour at home and everyone finds a rank above mine.

The senior driver brought an extra banana fritter and kept it for me because I was finishing the station diary. Didn't make a speech, just said eat before the ants take promotion. I felt ridiculously happy about it. Usually if somebody brings something we all grab and shout, but he had actually checked whether I'd got one. I teased him about becoming soft, then ate it standing near the door. Some days I get tired of being ready with an answer all the time, ready to prove I belong there. Today I could just be late for tea and have somebody remember. Not telling him this much, obviously.

My roommate wants to rearrange our room so both of us can open our bags without moving the hotplate. I said simple, shift the cot, then we measured and found the door wouldn't open properly. Aiyyo, I can judge a narrow rescue space but apparently two bags and a cot are advanced mathematics. Drew the room on an old envelope and tried it that way, keeping the cooking corner clear. Now the trophies have no shelf. She says the trophies can move, unlike the wall. Correct point, irritating delivery. We've agreed to move the empty things first, otherwise we'll be trapped inside our own successful plan.