Friendship 101, Part 2

“The time…” I force myself to stand slowly instead of popping up from the curb like a jack-in-the-box.

Simon stands, too. “Thanks for the shoulder. My moaning and groaning have made us both late for work.”

“Not if we hustle.” I hug him. “Anyway, doesn’t matter.” Stepping back, I look him in the eye. “You’ll take care of yourself, Simon? Call if you need me or want to talk.”

A faint smile. Yes! Our talk hasn’t solved anything, but he looks less tense.

“I will, Mom. You’re a great listener. Thanks.”

We literally jog away in opposite directions. I don’t know about Simon, but I have a fighting chance to be at work on time. Forty minutes!

Listener, schmisener. I feel so useless. But the situation is out of my control, out of my realm of experience, and, in truth, absolutely none of my business.

None of which can stop me from worrying about a friend or wanting to help.

Life isn’t fair. At least, not always. People make mistakes. And then they make more mistakes. People – people we care about -- hurt themselves and get hurt by others and we can’t get unhurt for them.

Rushing through my house, I glance at my backyard and wince.

I complained to Simon about my decorating issues for at least fifteen minutes without even asking "how are you?" Before even really looking at him…  

Stupid, self-absorbed, clueless…

Kind words, Amy.

Nope.