SW doesn't feel like ExperienceProject did, does it?

@MarkPaul Honestly? A friend I lost on EP. *stares into an empty space soundlessly*

@Boallods 🧔 *Clutches pipe in one hand and taps into palm of the other hand while looking searchingly for a moment.* You know, sometimes we confuse losing ourselves with losing a friend. Go on...

*widens his eyes, surprised that the interlocutor seems to actually have something to offer. Speaks energetically* I haven't lost myself. Just the opposite. At least, that's what I think so. But in having found myself, I've realised I've neglected someone, who might have willingly avoided me afterwards due to my neglect.

@Boallods 🧔 *Taps stem of pipe on the side of his head.* You know... many times we think it's too late to repair a friendship. And, with time, it's certainly easy enough to lose track of friends. But, the repair that is often most needed is within us. It's not easy to accept. Yet, inside is where we keep and quite often repress all those hurts. Tell me... what would you say to this friend if you had the chance to right now? *Takes a productive draw on his pipe and leans in.*

*lowers his head. Processes what's been said. The repair thing is partly true, yet he wants not to even think about it. Raises his eyes back* That I love her. That I miss her, and that I am sorry that I've been such a jerk, but that I've become a better person now. I'd ask her how she is; if she's fine; if family and friends are treating her well. If selfish enough at that particular moment, I'd probably ask her why hasn't she contacted me all these years.

@Boallods 🧔 Beautiful! I think we've made some significant progress. How do you feel? *Clutches pipe at the bowl end while it's clenched between his teeth and takes 3 draws on it.*

*shrugs* Still kind of sad, to be frank. I've told this story countless times already, anyway.

@Boallods 🧔 *Continues to clench stem of pipe as tiny spec of spittle (unknown to him) forms on the outer edge where his lip and pipe stem collide.* Yes, indeed. The sadness never leaves us. Still, it's a beautiful story told in a beautiful way.

*Nods* Mayhaps. I've considered writing a book about it. Though I'm worried what my friend would think of it.

@Boallods 🧔 *Lays pipe gently down on glass top table* I think your friend would finally know how you feel. And, that would be a good thing... for both you and your friend. Don't you think?

*chagrins* Maybe she doesn't want to know how I feel. Maybe she doesn't want to have nothing to do with me. Maybe that's the reason she hasn't tried to contact me ever since.

@Boallods 🧔 These are valid feelings. But, alternatively, maybe she does want to know how you feel. Maybe, she's been waiting to find out. Maybe she is looking for a sign that you even care.

I've did all I can, and I say this most truly. How many nights I didn't sleep; how many people I've engaged; how many miles I've passed - if she cared even a bit, it'd take her but a few clicks to show that. And I did much more than a few clicks. That book would be one more thing that I can do to somehow reach her. Yet, I sometimes doubt it's worth it.

@Boallods 🧔 Of course only you know for sure. *Chews on pipe.*