Dear Diary

Something is really wrong, showing up today like this. Something is really wrong, unable to stand still. You words slur, you eyes glassy and animated. Your movements slow and deliberate. Every word is forced. I can tell you are trying you best to act normal. Trying to act like your world is not falling apart. You drop a penny and stumble to pick it up. You catch yourself on the counter trying to look smooth. You don't.

I am not the only one to see your world shattering. He does too. He pulls you aside - into his office. The door closes behind you. I don't know what happens behind closed doors. No one does. But I imagine it is nothing good. Nothing good ever happens behind closed doors. An hour later you reappear. A smile is plastered haphazardly across your face. Your smile does not meet your eyes. You shake off the weight you have been carrying all day. You leave it on the ground as you pick up your backpack. One last glance in my direction. One last lopsided grin. This time it does meet your eyes. For a brief moment it is as if nothing had changed. With a wink you turn and walk out the door, shoulders square, head held high. The door shuts behind you and I whisper my goodbyes.