The phone rings and I get a jolt to the guts like someone has kicked me.

I feel like I am going to bring up my lunch.

I answer the phone, ramping up my fake happy mode, asking “how may I help you” and such.

I just want peace and quiet.

I just want to sleep.

I do not want to talk to anybody.

I do not want to speak.

Everyday drags on and feels like a waste.

Yet the years speed by at a blistering pace.