funkypig: Hey. I’ve missed you.

8r4d: You jest.

funkypig: No. Really. It’s been quiet down here without you. I enjoyed it for a while. I enjoyed the solitude. But now I’m just bored. Nothing to do but watch from behind the glass. You should try it sometime — you just might gain a bit more respect for my situation.

8r4d: Yeah? Go on.

funkypig: That’s all. Just bored.

8r4d: Uh huh.

funkypig: Well… there is… ah, but, I suppose that’s the price of it, right? You give a whole piece of yourself over to the next and then… then it just goes on. And on. And on some more. Somehow you forget the reason for it all.

8r4d: I’ve been making an effort.

funkypig: Weakly. You gotta admit.

8r4d: It hasn’t been a priority, exactly. There have been so many other things to think about. People relying on me. I’ve a purpose to fulfill. You know how it is?

funkypig: No.

8r4d: Well, you could.

funkypig: Not likely. Not my game. And besides, I gave you two months. Two months. And then I wanted to see you here again. The clock is ticking, you know. A few days. Then, well, I’ll expect you back down here. Regularly. No excuses.

8r4d: It might be tough. It can’t be a priority, you understand.

funkypig: No? It should be.

8r4d: Says you.

funkypig: Says I! Damn right. And you know why?

8r4d: I have an inkling.

funkypig: Her. Otherwise what’s the point? Are you going to give that all up — not come by here anymore — then in a few years wonder what you have left to offer? You are not a drone. You can’t just be a nanny. You’ve got a responsibility. You’re a role model now. Not a roll-over-and-die model.

8r4d: I suppose — you may have a point.

funkypig: Yeah.

8r4d: Don’t be so glib. I’m still adjusting.

funkypig: Shut up. You’ve adjusted. You know it. Now it’s just an excuse to avoid coming back and putting in the effort.

8r4d: Maybe. It was tough without the excuses. Now…

funkypig: It’s a slippery slope, dude. And the further you slide… well, you know. Toss the analogies. Whatever. Your choice.

8r4d: …

funkypig: So?

8r4d: So… what are you doing in ten days?