"Hey, Happy birthday!" I manage to utter, feeling guilty for not sending a present or card. "What are you going to do today? Anything fun?" She replies that her son is coming to see her and the whole family is going out to eat. "Sounds like fun!" I say, as I feign enthusiasm. I can't hardly be that happy, I haven't spent time with my family for years. "Hey" she quietly says "Just between me and you...." I ask her to repeat herself as I can't hear her over my son's shrill noises that come f...

"My mind looks for ways to die wherever I am" pops up on my instant messenger after a 3 minute silence. I imagined her sitting in her chair pecking at the keys with her nearly nail-less fingers. "Because you want to die?", I reply swiftly. I browse a forum, as I know her response will not be timely. "Yeah, I think so." she responds, and after much prodding reveals that she feels she doesn't have anyone or anything to live for. I mention myself, as well as my love for her, as well as my grandm...