I’ve been better. But yes, I am okay. Thank you for checking in xoxo.
Alice:
What's going on?
Me:
Life.
Alice:
I mean I am fully crying in my backyard so I can relate.
Her honesty stops me in my tracks. Should I downplay everything, or let her in on just how bad things have gotten? There’s something about Alice that makes her feel safe—a mixture of humor and straightforward compassion.
She’s the type of friend who’d threaten to stab someone for me, if necessary. That kind of loyalty doesn’t come around often.
I think of the people who’ve distanced themselves: Sven, who decided I was too much to deal with. Paulo, whose once-steady friendship has started to feel tenuous. With Alice, though, I don’t feel judged. She’s a constant, supportive anchor, even in moments like this.
So I decide to be honest—at least a little.
Me:
Moved here and my job arbitrarily made a policy that I couldn't work from here. Got into a relationship where I was proposed to one week in, and it’s a bit abusive, but I also love him.
Alice:
Great, we can be complete messes together.
Me:
Alice:
Hi, are you me?
You and I have the same prescription for pink glasses, I see.
Me:
Lmao I love you so much. You know when you don’t know someone well, but you know you love them. You are that for me and it doesn’t come easily.
Alice:
Hard same, I adore you.
I feel lighter already. Alice has that effect—her humor and candid honesty strip away some of the isolation I’ve been drowning in. Her words are like a warm hug, breaking through the loneliness that’s felt suffocating lately. I can feel my chest loosen for the first time in days.
Me:
Pink ass glasses, motherfucker.
His family is cool.
Alice:
I’m not gonna tell you to leave him, that's your business. But I will maybe tell you not to marry him.
Me: