The Chronicles of Alex

[phone line ringing] [“Hey!! It’s not me. Haha. I’ll get back to ya soon.” *beep*] Hey. Uh. Looks like I caught your voicemail… Still got a sense of humor, huh? [chuckles] We haven’t met to talk in a while, but I um wanted to leave this message… [pause of silence and breathing]. I think about all the time we spent together for many years [chuckles and cracks a grin]. Remember the times when I hated myself – gahd, high school was rough wasn’t it. Remember when we lost 4 people in a year. Remember all the times we pleaded with God on runs – well, maybe not pleaded [smiles] but talked to… well, I, uh, just wanted to give you a shout and think we should catch up. Still showing up at the same place every day? I’ve um just been lost with a lot and forgot I could call you. Fuck, I forgot you were always with me. [silence for 10 seconds, searching for words] I’m sorry, Grief. My old friend. I forgot we could talk, and I didn’t have to carry this all myself. I forgot everything you taught me. [pause] I uh will try to meet you to run tonight. Love you, brother. Talk soon.