So, after my friends’ glorious reunion (that I missed, thanks to my 'broke era'), we did what any good former night shifters do: we took the party online. CeCe, Chuckie, and I spent hours on Messenger, reliving the glory days of back-office chaos. And, of course, they couldn’t resist bringing up my 'maldita' phase.
For those who don’t speak Filipino slang, 'maldita' basically means a sassy, sometimes prickly, diva. Yeah, apparently, that was me. I’m not proud of it, but they were having a field day, recounting tales of my epic eye rolls and scathing one-liners. It was all in good fun, though, and honestly, it felt good to laugh about it. It’s like, even though everything else is a mess, at least I still have my reputation.
We talked about everything: old office drama, ridiculous client calls, and the sheer absurdity of working nights. It was like no time had passed. They get me, they really get me.
But then, this morning, a weird thing happened. I woke up, eager to continue the banter, but both CeCe and Chuckie were showing as offline on Messenger. They’re still replying, but it’s the kind of reply that screams, 'I’m working, please don’t bother me.'
And now, I’m in my head. Are they avoiding me? Did I say something wrong? Am I the weird one for being so available? I mean, I get it, they have jobs. They have responsibilities. I’m the one with the endless free time, courtesy of my 'broke era.'
But still, it’s a weird feeling. One minute we’re laughing like old times, the next minute, it’s like they’re putting up a 'Do Not Disturb' sign. I’m trying to be understanding, but a tiny part of me is wondering if maybe, just maybe, I’m a bit too much.
It's like, I am now the one who is alone, while they are all together. It is a bit sad.
Maybe I’m overthinking it. Maybe they’re just busy. But still, the silence is deafening.
So, here I am, alone with my thoughts and my tuna-and-hot-sauce leftovers.
Until tomorrow,
Still broke, still wondering, still trying to figure out the etiquette of online reunions.