Last summer was the best stretch of time I can remember, but it shouldn't have been.
I went to more funerals than I had in my entire life before.
I made a few new friends, but I lost far more old ones.
But for some reason, last summer was, without question, the best summer of my life.
But now, well, I don't feel anything.
I tried to talk to my therapist and he tried to tell me that I had seasonal depression and wanted to put me on medication.
I guess I just don't want to admit defeat that easily.
He said that if I wasn't going to take his medication, I should at least try to get some fresh air more often.
Which I suppose is a good idea. I'm sure my computer could use a break.
This is Finario, best coffee in town.
This shop became a sort of meeting place for my group of friends, but most of them are away at different schools now.
I was one of the few that stayed around.
Hey!
Oh my God! Hi!
What are you doing here?
Well, I only have one class today, so my teacher cancelled it.
What are you up to?
I'm trying to get out of the house. My therapist said I should be outside.
So you're sitting inside a coffee shop?
One step at a time.
Fair enough.
So how have you been?
I've been good. How are you?
I've been okay.
Just okay?
I feel like I've missed you something.
Do you remember what this summer happy we all were?
Jake broke up with you and half of your friends moved to California together.
For some reason, I was at peace.
Things were happening in that moment that weren't great, but I was able to take myself out of that situation.
Enjoy life.
Your therapist is right. You really need to get out more.
No, but surprisingly, I know what you mean. I've definitely been in that funk before.
Yeah? How'd you get out of it?
Well, I had to make myself stop focusing on a big picture.
I found that the things that give me the most lasting happiness are the things I can do alone and always come back to.
What?
Well, it might sound silly.
Come on, I'm desperate.
Okay.
Taking my shoes and socks off and digging my feet into the cool grass and the feeling of the wet blades between my toes.
My favorite feelings in the world were climbing a tree on a windy day, sitting on a limb way high up, just hearing the wind burst through the leaves.
As you feel the branch softly swaying beneath you.
Something about trusting the tree to hold you. It's comforting.
I told you it was silly.
No, no, I'm just thinking.
I'll leave you to that. I gotta get going.
