She typed a few more words, backspaced, then, before she could figure out what else to say, she saw @sleepaholic is typing…

An early night had felt like a very good idea to Deena. Probably due to jetlag, her kids had been waking at the crack of dawn since their arrival, and she doubted she’d have a chance to rest the next day before Yom Tov came in.

But the very good idea was turning out to be lousier with every passing minute, for the simple reason that she couldn’t fall asleep.

On the second bed in the room, her girls were sleeping peacefully, Miri curled in a ball, Nechama sprawled out on her back, mouth slightly open. There was nothing to keep her awake. Nothing at all — except her racing mind, replaying the day on fast mode.

People. Suitcases. Noise. More people.

She’d tried to keep a distance, partially because she wasn’t in the mood for being recognized and needing to act all Nuts & Basil, and also because the people — the families... It was all very… overwhelming.

After over an hour of sleep eluding her, Deena had had it. She got out of bed and went over to the table where her phone was charging.

Kicking off her slippers, she sat into the hotel armchair and checked her Instagram and emails. It felt weird, accessing her familiar life miles away from home.

One of her emails, in the account she mainly used for shopping promotions, was a notification from the AloneTogether forum: @sleepaholic sent you a message.

She clicked on the email and was rerouted to the forum site. Username: MeMyselfAndI

Hi there! Haven’t heard from you in a while. I just wanted to wish you a gut Yom Tov. Hope you’re doing well. Guess we’ll talk one day 

Deena smiled grimly. Then she tapped to respond.

Hi. You’re sweet.

She hit enter.

She typed a few more words, backspaced, then, before she could figure out what else to say, she saw @sleepaholic is typing…