I'll spend today head-down,
     hacking through tasks
         like jungle brush—
             slashing code,
           breaking builds,
       compiling victories

      one commit at a time.

But last night?
    Didn't compile.
    Our plans: runtime error,
    your evening extended into extra innings—
    timeout… retry refused.

So tonight—
   it owes me.

I’m collecting:
    overdue smiles,
    extended hugs,
    rollover minutes of whispers
    held hostage by yesterday’s clock.

Tonight owes me, big time—
            double warmth,
           Mari in stereo,
      compensation kisses…

      interest accrued every hour delayed.

At five-thirty sharp,
   I’m hitting pause
   on everything
   but your entrance,

   my reward walking through Irby's door.

Hackathon trophies fade fast,
       but that first moment—
      your eyes finding mine,
                 breath held,
              debts forgiven,
            balance restored…

That’s the real prize.

And tonight,
    I’m collecting.