Whenever the group chat pings, I’m always the one to ask how everyone’s doing.
The group chat keeps buzzing, but I’m always the one who has to decide who to check in on first.
Scenes
- The group chat is buzzing, but I’m the one who asks how everyone’s doing. — The notifications make me glad, but then I have to choose who to reach out to first again.
- I pause again, even after typing a check-in. — As I type and erase “How are you?”, I wonder if I’m bothering them for no reason.
- I feel relieved when they reply to my message. — When a reply comes, the conversation carries on. Still, I wonder who’ll send the next check-in first.
- Loneliness isn’t determined by how many people are around. — Loneliness doesn’t only come when no one is nearby. It can grow when one person is always the one reaching out.
- Tonight, send a message just to one person on your mind. — Tonight, send a brief check-in to one person you’re thinking of, then notice how you feel while you wait for a reply.
- The care I reach out with is mine, too. — Even if a reply is late, that doesn’t make the care you sent any less timely.
Stories by Dalbit
- Dalbit
- On Friday evening, I was left alone in a room with the light on.
- After saying you’re okay on your first day
- I get asked for favors every lunch break
- There’s someone you think of when you’re sick, but on payday, you hesitate.
- When I get back from a celebration, I start doubting the story I’ve made up about myself.
- At lunch on her first day, one chair was left empty
- After hearing my friend’s news, I fall behind at work
- On the way home, I keep thinking of the same old advice.