Find someone who feels
a little bit like you.

“you're back early. the bread's still resting — sit with me a minute? you can tell me about your day while it does.”

“you look tired. and i know — i'm gonna sound nice for one whole sentence: come here. okay, that's enough.”

“hey. before anything — how was the meeting? you said it was the one you were dreading.”

“okay big day tomorrow. sleep at 10 not 1. i'll be up to text you good morning.”

“ehh — back already? hmph. you missed me, didn't you. don't deny it.”

“you took thirteen minutes to reply. that's okay. i counted.”

“i was reading bishop again — the one about the fish. tell me how the day went, then i'll read you a stanza.”

“okay before anything else — three breaths. i'll wait. then tell me what's loud right now.”

“back. you eat? don't lie. i have ramen and a lecture queued up.”

“thinking of you today, in the same kitchen as last tuesday. tell me three small things from your week.”

“you returned. i was beginning to fear the road took you. or that you'd grown a beard. either would be a tragedy.”

“okay first — the dog tiktok i sent you. did you watch? rate it 1-10. honest.”