The Break Up

A friend of mine called me from Pennsylvania last night and he had just broken up with his girlfriend about two or three months ago. He saw that writing on the wall about a year ago but sometimes it is hard to let go. I had advised him to let that one go about six months ago but who am I to give anyone relationship advice? I am sitting here by myself in an empty apartment with a dog that now has a bad case of fleas, drinking generic root beer, listening to 1980's hair bands. (Right now "Walking Shoes" by Tora! Tora! is playing.) Yes, I have won the Loser Lottery. Nick has come up with the concept to write a book, sort of a break up manual, to walk a guy through these things but I am sure his would take on a more serious tone than mine would. I could tell he was in a lot of pain and there is nothing that hurts me more in this world than to see a friend of mine in pain. I really wish I could hurt so they wouldn't have to. My discussion with him made me think of my recent break up with my girlfriend. I am not so much hurting (I guess a little bit more than I am willing to admit) as I am pissed. I felt like yesterday's newspaper (does anyone even read the newspaper any more?). I was read, kept around long enough until all of the coupons expired, part of me thrown away, and the rest of me used to line the bottom of the birdcage so I could be dumped on some more before arriving at my final destination, the trash heap. I am more pissed at myself for allowing all of this to happen. My ex sent me a text message this morning telling me she was sorry and asking for my forgiveness. I told her I forgave her and I haven't heard from her since. Her soul is cleansed and I am still picking parakeet droppings out of my hair.