Right before clocking out, I pause before canceling our plans
When I check the time just before clocking out, the first thing that comes to mind is what to say to cancel plans with someone I used to spend time with.
Scenes
- I look at the clock and think about canceling our plans — When I check the time just before clocking out, I think of the plans I made with someone I used to spend time with. I start writing a cancellation text, then stop.
- They planned to meet that day — They planned to meet after work. Even after that person was gone, the date remained on the calendar.
- I keep changing what to say — I type, “I don’t think I can make it today,” then erase it. Canceling feels like erasing the time I had with that person, too.
- Canceling doesn’t erase the time we shared — While grieving, choosing to keep or cancel a plan doesn’t decide how you remember that person.
- Try keeping today’s cancellation text short — If today’s plan feels like too much, try writing just, “I don’t think I can make it today.” After you send it, notice where your feelings settle.
- I remember the plans we made — Even if you cancel today’s plan, you can still remember the time you spent together. One date can’t stand in for all of it.
Stories by Onyu
- Onyu
- Even after a meeting, I come home and have to explain why I need to rest.
- Just before clocking out, the clock reminds me of a request
- Gray hair reflected in the window on a rainy day
- Right before quitting time, just thinking about learning makes me check the clock.
- Right before clocking out, I can’t think of what to say to a friend.
- I keep checking the clock just before quitting time.
- When I pause at the door, my dinner gets pushed back again.
- The path where she stopped to retie her shoe