The Rom-Commers

by Katherine Center

I frowned like he was bananas. “I don’t have anxiety. I just worry all the time.” Charlie gave it a second and then said, “I’m just gonna let those words echo around the room.”

Holding out hope for too long was one thing. Giving up too soon was quite another.

Yes, I detested him. But I was still glad he was alive. Maybe “glad” was a bit strong. I broadly supported the concept of him continuing to exist.

But it was all too intense. Charlie had to break the moment. “Couldn’t you have tried to die in, like, any other way?” I wrinkled my nose. “I prefer the worst possible way. That’s just my style.”

“Whatever story you tell yourself about your life, that’s the one that’ll be true.”

If you wait for other people to light you up, then I guess you’re at the mercy of darkness.