It was tough, but I got through the next few days. I still didn't tell anyone about what had happened. My teachers didn't question why I hadn't been in class that day, and when Nina asked why I hadn't shown up for work, I lied and said I got a bad headache and couldn't call.

I started feeling differently. I grew more reserved, quieter. I still went out, but no more than I had to. I found myself avoiding social media more and more, and when I did go online I avoided posting or communicating with others. I studied for my classes less and less, and I started biting my fingernails.

My anxiety sweater almost never left my body.

I did try to keep up appearances, however. I went to classes and tried to pay attention, although sometimes I had trouble; whereas before all this had happened I had found my classes interesting and enveloping. Work was about the same. If Nina and Molly noticed my sudden change in demeanor, they didn't say anything about it.

I felt tired, physically and mentally. Going through life was just...harder. It took a bit of a toll on me.

One day, Josh texted and asked if I'd like to meet him at Taco Bell for lunch. I accepted, and so after my mid-morning class, I drove to the fast food joint.

I found Josh sitting at the table where I'd first run into him after Melanie's party. It seemed like it had been ages since then, though I knew it hadn't been. So much had changed since then. 

It was enough to drive a sane man mad, which I worried it was starting to do to me. My thoughts certainly weren't what they normally were.

Josh was scrolling through his phone when I brought over my tray of food. When I set it on the table, he looked up, and a smile lit up his face. "Hey, Ty!"

Even though I didn't feel great, seeing Josh brighten up like that brought a smile to my face. "Hi, Joshie." I leaned in and kissed his forehead before sitting down.

My boyfriend raised a brow, surprised. "What did you just call me?"

He was trying to look serious, but I could see right through it. My smile grew bigger. "I called you Joshie."

Josh grinned back at me. "I could get used to that."

Art by Pheoniic