Weary

Inspired by https://fivedotoh.com/2023/08/28/fowc-with-fandango-weary/

Staring out of the window, just watching, with a cup of coffee in her hands. Laura wasn’t sure when the world got so weary. It wasn’t just the nine to five job, working in an office. It wasn’t what she dreamed of when she went to university.

A glimmer of a smile, when she remembered what she really wanted to do with her life. An actress, walking the red carpet. Opening night, with millions of fans adoring her every word. An online sensation, her songs sung in every workplace.

Her joy lasted for as long as the red breasted Robin flew back up to its nest, before returning for more leaves and twigs to make his nest. It wasn’t being alone that bothered her, just this wasn’t what she expected her life would be.

The same routine, the same coffee, the same trip into work in the morning. All the typing, filing, and running about. Travelling home, on the same route, probably the same train. Boring, monotonous, she wanted more.

A sigh, and she placed her cup on the side. She scrolled through her mobile, until something made her stop. An actress, about her age. She had followed this person, whose posts were always full of her happy antics. Boyfriends, holidays, a make-up brand selling like sweets.

Suicide, it just didn’t seem possible. She read the reports on the news feed, how this person was suffering from depression. A child actor, who was never out of the limelight.

She acted so happy, like she didn’t have any worries.

Her mobile rang, and she picked it up without thinking. ‘Hi, did you read the news, it’s terrible, isn’t it.’

Laura felt grateful, not just because her friend cared enough to call, but because sometimes dreams came with pitfalls. To the outside world, this actress had it all, yet depression caught her too.

‘Yes, but I called to see if you were okay. I mean, if you ever want to talk, you know I am here? Right. I tell you what, we could go out tonight, we haven’t done that in ages. I won’t take no for an answer.’

‘That would be good, and I’m sorry, about yesterday.’

‘Why, it is good to talk, vent sometimes. We have been friends since school and you are always there for me.’

‘Love you Laura.’

‘Love you too, and tonight, you’re buying.’