[Survey] Rest and Relaxation

Twelve-ounce mug. Decaffeinated. No cream or sugar. 

Other Xeros quietly thought it was odd, but didn’t press Dusty about his choice in coffee. If he was feeling fancy he’d drop in a few ice cubes to enjoy it cold. Plain and simple; it was how he preferred most things in life, such as his morning routine. 

This morning was different, though. Dusty sat at the kitchen table, intently scrutinizing a pamphlet as he sipped from his steaming mug. The smell of fresh-ground Affocato decaf permeated his Aberion treetop dwelling. 

‘Experience the Island Adventure of a Lifetime!’ the bold lettering on the pamphlet read. The contents described a beautiful remote island getaway with a twist: only the very basic amenities would be provided. Anything more would have to be brought or built. Back to basics. Dusty had to admit, it did sound interesting.

-

It was a few days ago when Dusty had found out about it. He had been busily typing away in his office when a coworker poked her head in the door. Moira was a good coworker; she was very kind, and one of the few Xeros in the office who wasn’t put off by Dusty’s quiet and serious demeanor. She would greet him with the same enthusiasm she showed to any other Xero and even try to strike up a conversation with him. Dusty wasn’t one for casual chats, but he always appreciated the gesture. 

"Mornin', Dusty! Check this out!"

Dusty had barely opened his mouth to respond before Moira excitedly shoved the pamphlet into his paws. 

“You liked going on that research trip to Kiah a while back, right?” Moira asked, beaming. 

Dusty gave one small nod, his expression unchanged. 

“Then you’d probably like this too!” Moira said as she tapped the pamphlet. “You’re the ‘roughing-it’ type, I think you’d have a lot of fun with it.” 

Dusty stared at the pamphlet in silence for a moment. “Hm. I’ll consider,” he said quietly.

“Good!” Moira chirped. She gave him a knowing look. “Besides, when was the last time you took a vacation that wasn’t work-related?”

-

That was a few days ago. The last question from Moira resurfaced in his mind for the third time since then and he finally conceded; he had no answer. 

Dusty took another sip from his mug, scowling as the gears in his head turned. His primary focus in life had always been research and writing, even at a young age. Any travels were done solely to further those pursuits. Of course he found time for relaxation during these excursions, but to dedicate the whole trip to leisure? Dusty wasn’t sure he’d be able to stop himself from scratching down notes or interviewing his fellow travelers about their experiences, but, he thought, maybe it would do him some good in the end. 

Dusty checked the time. His group would be embarking soon. 

He triple-checked his luggage list for the trip: Extra bedding, long-lasting glow sticks, a few books, binoculars & a camera, some dried fruits for the trip…

He glanced at his notebook and pen on the table. No, no work, he reminded himself. No studying, no analysis, just taking some time to relax. 

Before he began preparing to leave, Dusty also made sure to pack a bag of Affocato decaf and his trusty twelve-ounce mug.