_So, what are we?_

__

I glanced at the text from a notable distance, my high-definition eyesight being one of my strengths. Was that only considering my senses, or in my life? I didn’t know.

This girl had been coming over recently, and her company was sweet. She made me forget about work with her calm presence, and I liked to stay in that feeling while she’d be here. I never went beyond basic human decency, but I also never actively retracted from her. It was just pleasant. Whether she would be here or not, I’d be alright.

The text was unexpected. I genuinely wasn’t thinking about it. Work had been piling onto me lately and, with my carefully curated daily routine, I barely carved time to think of anything else, never mind anyone. Life was bleak, but I felt like there was nowhere to go but forwards. That had been my mindset since I was a kid. Nostalgia and memories were a waste of time.

I used to go out a lot, but the repetitive post-adrenaline rush depleted me overtime. If I took photos, I never looked at them. I never re-read texts with someone I’d be talking to for comfort. I’d enjoy their company, but in all honesty, I didn’t need it. We live alone, and we die alone. I couldn’t be bothered to grow out of that mentality.

It felt safe.