realization.

a reunion.

i knew it would be awkward.

our history.

dates back nearly a decade.

 

i was prepared.

keep it cordial.

give space.

it is only a weekend.

 

history lesson.

you were a bully.

you weren’t comfortable in your own skin.

maybe you hated yourself.

 

you projected that on me.

and more.

you could tell or maybe you knew.

my secret.

 

our course.

could have been so different.

so, widely different.

instead.

 

you spread rumors.

and facts.

that weren’t yours to share.

you stole that from me.

 

friendships dissolved.

because of it.

what was the point?

of any of it?

 

fast forward.

last year.

you send me an apology message.

surface level.

 

a mutual friend.

brought it all to your attention.

i wonder.

would you have realized on your own?

 

this month.

currently.

reunion.

weekend together.

 

i’m friendly.

that was always the plan.

i learn later.

you think it’s awkward and tense.

 

that night.

you pull friends aside.

to talk and figure out.

how to make it right.

 

the next day.

this effort increases.

and accelerates.

over it.

 

not the time.

not the place.

truthfully.

i don’t need an apology.

 

if you need to apologize.

for clear conscience.

since clarity comes.

after each talk with a friend.

 

i will accept it.

and listen.

and appreciate it.

reality.

 

we live in different states.

we see each other every couple of years.

it needs to be in person.

what are the chances of this?

 

years of ridiculous.

we could have been friends.

treat others with kindness.

love yourself.

 

“we cannot become what we want, by remaining what we are.” – Max Depree