I would’ve been perfectly content staying hidden under my comforter.

Perhaps it’s the torrential downpour occurring outside my window, rain droplets slowly sliding down the glass and falling into puddles stories below. Maybe it’s because I tossed and turned all night, anxiety dancing around in my head for no reason whatsoever. Whatever the cause, I don’t like it, and I very much wish it would go away.

I think seasonal depression is kicking in, and I’m not looking forward to the sun setting at 4 p.m. soon.

Another week down. Time flies when you’re having fun. Or, more appropriately, time flies when you’re up to your neck at work and really need coffee and a nap.

Oh. The show was Ted Lasso. Have you seen it?

Yours in a severely decaffeinated state,

JD

* * *

To: JD7683

From: RBCompanions

Subject: Come again some other day…

Date: September 13, 2022

JD,

Those feelings are valid, you know, and shouldn’t be repressed all the time. I understand the desire of not wanting them to dominate your life, but sometimes I think feeling—pardon my French—shitty in the way you described reminds me I’m alive.

One thing I try to do every day is find something good. It could be a delicious meal. A warm sweater. A cold beverage. Anything that lifts your spirits.

No matter how dark and stormy the day might be, the clouds will eventually break. The sun will rise again tomorrow. And that’s weirdly beautiful, I think.

Even if the bad days make little sense right now, they make the happy days appear so much brighter and better when we get to them.

We can share an umbrella. There’s plenty of space.

Also, I love Ted Lasso.

To rainbows ahead,

RB

* * *

To: RBCompanions

From: JD7683

Subject: Thank U, Next

Date: September 14

RB,

Thank you.

I wish I could verbalize how much what you said meant to me, especially coming from a stranger.

Well, not a stranger.

You know what I mean.

What I shared yesterday is an extremely rare occurrence. Feelings in general are typically an off-limits discussion for me. I know; typical man. Hold the eye roll you’re probably doing.

They’ve always been shoved aside, hoping to be forgotten as they fade away and the happiness returns. I appreciate you suggesting I should welcome the emotions and to find the good in every day. An insightful and optimistic way to look at things. Perhaps I’ll give it a try.

How is it already the weekend? We must be highly successful individuals if the bulk of our conversations take place at the end of the week.

Or…

Wait.

You’re a superhero who’s out fighting crime.

I knew it. You’re Spider-Man, aren’t you?

Tucking away my umbrella-ella-ella-a-a for the time being,

JD

P.S. If you aren’t Spider-Man, who’s your favorite?