sixwordstories | (no subject)

[ After a brief pause and the smallest hint of a sad smile, Claire speaks. ]

You and I both. What happened?

I don't know. That's the thing. He just disappeared.

[Megan exhales.]

We both had our problems. But he inspired me to be better, and get over mine.

[ Far better than killing him yourself, thought Claire somberly, clearly concealing her thoughts with an empathetic expression on her face. ]

I'm sorry to hear that. One truly never gets over the loss of a friend, don't they?

[ Friends, in plural. It's been twenty-one years and each individual has left a scar on her. ]

Especially not Jesse. He made me feel like I wasn't a terrible person just because I ruined my life.

[She was still loathe to tell anyone she was a recovering addict. It was a huge source of shame for her.]

He saw value in me when I didn't see it in myself. I loved him, you know, and I was too scared to say it.

[ Their stories branch out in different paths in life, the sentiment is still universal. Claire nods with a hand on her hips. ]

When you don't get to say it on time is the worst that can happen, especially when they're gone without a mere goodbye. What made you so afraid to say it to him? It seems like you're absolutely genuine about it.

I felt like I wasn't good enough for him. And he'd mentioned being hurt before...I wasn't sure if saying that would just bring back the hurt. I wasn't worth that.

[She runs a hand through her hair.]

If I ever see him again it's the first thing I'm gonna say. I might just tackle him.

That makes sense, and I think I understand your predicament there. Those are strong emotions and are also fragile matters to handle.

Yeah... [ She trails off a little bit before she nods with a tight lipped smile. ] I would do that, too. If I had the chance.

It's tough, isn't it? And I miss just not feeling alone anymore. That's always been the scariest feeling for me.

[Another soft sigh.]

I'm sorry. I never introduced myself...my name's Megan. Megan Presley. Can I get you a drink, or something?

Loneliness affects people, doesn't it?

[ Oh! Right. ]

My bad, I didn't introduce myself either. [ She chuckles lightly, smiling a little. ] The name is Claire, Claire Redfield. And no but thank you for offering.

I've always felt alone. I ran off with a guy for a few years...and that fell apart. Then I came home alone. Had to rebuild my life alone. When I met Jesse it was the first time I had someone to lean on in a long time.

I'm not sure how to move on. I have some friends at work. Ironically including the guy I ran off with. He followed me back to New Jersey.

I see... Finally you had a companion and that felt like the world was suddenly gaining a meaning to you. Moving on isn't easy, especially when that was all you had.

Believe me, I'm still trying to figure out how to move on as well.

I'm not sure you ever entirely do. I mean, I'd love to forget all the stupid stuff I did, but I can't.

I just try to help as many people as I can every day and then maybe I can help myself somehow.

You and I both. A lot of mistakes I would love to forget.

[ A lot of lost friends she would be pained to forget but even more pained to remember constantly. ]

I did hear someone once said 'Sometimes the way to solve your own problems is the solve someone else's problem.' It's been working thus far for me. And for some other folks.

It does. I like knowing that even if I messed up, I can still make somebody else's life better.

I've always liked that. Why I got into nursing.