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March 31, 2006

okay bye click

For the most part, an ex-ship is pretty much like any other very close friendship. There are subtle differences, though. There are intimate things you know about one another that cannot be unlearned. Now as then, no unreasonable request can be refused—"You need an airport pickup at 3am, followed by a ride to a mechanic in Cle Elum? Fine. Bitch." The buttons you so carefully wired during the course of your relationship? They remain. I can annoy an ex much faster and more effectively than I can, say, Dorkass. And there are moments that you cannot help but cheerfully juxtapose your current status with your former one. This story is about such a moment. Allie answered the phone.

"Hello?"

This was not good. From how she pronounced that one word, I could tell that I did not want to talk to her. She was depressed, exhausted, angry, bitter, and despairing beyond all hope of repair. In other words, she was Barry's job, not mine.

"Jeeeeeezus," I replied. "I'd like to just back out of this conversation right now."

"Okay. Bye." Click.

Yes. This is much better.

posted by john at 7:47 AM  â€¢  permalink