The Life of the Party (words by Jill inspired by Jennifer's photo)

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Jenn gave me this photo on October 10, 2021. I'm a little behind in my posts (I'll get caught up soon, I swear!). I immediately looked at the crowd since I like to focus in on the not obvious thing in the photo to get an idea for something to write. So I noticed the kid in the front who looks pretty miserable. And I started to think about how when you're depressed everyone around you can be having fun and you just feel flat. I'm not super happy with this piece, but I'm a few photos behind, so it's as good as it's going to get for this photo!


The Life of the Party

It seemed like everyone around me was having fun, but were they really? I dunno. It seemed like they were. They were all at least participating—you know, laughing and talking and stuff. 

I just wanted to be alone somewhere. Not in this crowd. Not with people.

It’s not like I was having a bad time. I think I just wasn’t feeling the same vibe that everyone else seemed to be feeling—like, I didn’t belong.

That seemed to be happening a lot lately, and I hoped that I’d snap out of it, well, a while ago, really. 

But I haven’t yet.

I probably should call a doctor. But what would I even say? Things just aren’t fun anymore, Doc. Can you help me? Was that even a reason to be seen? 

People were dying of cancer and stuff, and I just didn’t find joy in, well, anything anymore. 

It would probably just pass on its own. Wouldn’t it?

I guess I’ll know eventually.


—Jill Cullen (written 10.17.21)

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