by L. J. Greene
Although to be fair, I can’t imagine I’d have weathered much better in his memory. I can only guess how I would have come across to him at that tumultuous time in my life: introverted, sullen, obsessively focused on my college resume. I stop short before I can allow myself to consider how I might have come across tonight.
When we finally reach our apartment, I go quickly to my bedroom. I collapse to the bed, and stare up at the sparkling popcorn ceiling for a long time. It’s astonishing how running into someone you knew years ago throws you back immediately to who you were when you knew him. I feel the need to mentally shake off that person I once was. But it’s also a good reminder of what has changed in the time between–how far I’ve come in many ways, and what’s still in front of me to do. I dial my friend Marcus on an impulse.
“I need to ask you a favor…”