They put the tea on because they know you’re on your way. You grab your jacket, I wait by the door. Before you go, can you show me where I look to turn the breaker back on if we run the blow dryers at the same time again? And quickly show me where we keep the lightbulbs? Does this picture frame need a screw or will a nail do? Do you think if I move the clothes out of it you could take my old dresser out of the closet? You don’t have time for all this but I continue; When is it time to change my tires? How do I make sure the hoses won’t freeze up in the winter? What if the bank calls and tells me I can increase my credit limit, should I do it? Can you quickly explain to me why the democrats want to get rid of fracking? And also what is fracking? Do you think I’m on the right career path? Should I be investing part of my paycheque? What is that noise coming from the furnace? Can you check it out I can’t sleep if it’s clicking all night? You sit patiently with me, I know you have to ...
December 31st, 2021: 10:15pm I convinced my parents I’d be okay to spend New Years alone. I would be okay. After all, I like being alone. It’s not that I didn’t wish I was invited to be with my friends, I just got used to not being there. And I was happy to hear the fireworks outside from my bedroom window. I’m old enough now. I don’t need to be bothered by people who don’t love me. There isn’t a version of me before this who could have said that and meant it. This year, there isn’t even a background noise of my old hurt, and I sleep soundly. January 1st, 2022: 8:00am I take my very first antidepressant. I feel nothing (obviously). I decide to take the month off of drinking to see if it works. It does. Two weeks after my first dose I wake up before my alarm and smile. I still have so much time before I have to go to work. I begin to sleep full nights. My dad tells me he finally sees the Haleigh he always knew I could be. I see her, too. April 29th, 2022: 3:00pm A doctor in Vancouver co...