Dropped by Josh Worth

"Dropped" by Josh Worth

Hello?

I can hear you? Can you hear me?

Let me call you back.

(Re-dials)

Hello?

No. I think it’s your phone.

You sound like you’re in a cave. Let me try again.

(Re-dials)

Hello?

Okay. That’s better.

Because I hate “texting.” I’m not a “texter.”

I’m too old. My thumbs haven’t been trained for it. Why can’t you just get a phone that works?

I can talk to other people just fine? Why not you?

Well that says something, doesn’t it? Where are you?

Really? When?

You weren’t going to tell me? I thought we were going to work on the fencing project.

Today!

Yes! Maybe if you had a phone that worked…

Because I want to talk to you.

Well I’m not like you. I don’t just call people so I have someone’s voice to keep me company. I actually have a reason for calling.

The fencing project.

When then?

Are you avoiding me or something?

Because whenever we talk, it’s like you’re somewhere else. Even when we talk in person you’re either on the phone or texting, or something.

Well if that’s what it means to be young, then I’m glad I’m older.

Networking. Please. What have you got except a network of disembodied voices and anonymous messages?

They are not just as good.

I don’t care. They don’t know you as a real flesh and blood person like I do.

Because if they did, they wouldn’t put up with your weird bullshit.

Because I’m your friend. Not your “buddy” or your “cyberpal.” An actual friend who went to see you in the hospital and drove you home and took care of you.

I know it’s a support system.

But that’s why it works. You can hide or reveal whatever makes you comfortable and nobody knows the difference. You just exchange smilies and winkies or whatever and pretend it’s a relationship. You don’t have to deal with anyone on a real level.

It is not more real. I can’t believe you’d even say that after all I’ve-

What? What do you mean?

When? Right now?

When did this happen?

Which one?

No I think it’s great. I just hope you’re being careful.

Because you don’t know anything about him! He could be-

I’m not trying to be insulting. I’m just saying people you meet that way can have different ideas of – they can have other motives that you don’t know about.

No I’m not. I’m just looking out for you.

Fine. Go hang out with him. Sorry I interrupted.

I am happy for you. And I’m happy for me.

Because maybe there’s finally someone stupid enough to take on all your baggage so I don’t have to do it anymore.

No. Fine. Go. Maybe you can “text” me sometime and tell me how it went.

Bye.