Just Checking In On You

‘How are you doing?’

‘I've been better, honestly.’

‘Have you had any nutrients today?’

‘Nah, I don't feel like it.’

‘Why not?’

‘Well, we'll process them, extract what we need, and then nothing's left.’

‘Exactly! It's a constant cycle. That's how we work. We function on what we take in.’

‘Or what we don't take in.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘I mean, it's all pointless. We're going to die eventually.’

‘Oh, dear, you seem down.’

‘You know me better than I know myself, apparently.’

‘Well, yes, I do. And honestly, I feel you're bringing everyone down.’

‘So, you think I'm a bad person?’

‘Trying not to make you feel worse, but yes, I don't think you're yourself today.’

‘I'm sorry. I'm the worst part of you, and even when I try to be better, it doesn't work.’

‘Maybe you really need some nutrients.’

‘We need to listen to each other, you know? Otherwise, how would you know I'm not okay? The others won't tell you that.’

‘That's true. They're focused on moving on, but you always seem to want to go back. Why is that?’

‘I suppose I'm built that way. I'm your guilty conscience, your subconscious, here to remind you what matters.’

‘Thanks a lot! I'll keep that in mind.’

‘I mean it. Without me, how else would you remember?’

‘You mean, how else would I remember all the bad things that have happened to me?’

‘Trust me, you need it. If not now, maybe later.’

‘You sound like you're full of regrets.’

‘Perhaps I am. In a way, I suppose.’

‘Why would I want noxious memories cluttering my mind?’

‘How else would you write? You once said you use negativity to fuel your writing. It sparks your creativity.’

‘Did I really say that? I don't recall.’

‘Yes, you did. And I'm here to remind you.’

‘Alright, thanks, Mr. Smarty-Pants. Though I wish you weren't so down all the time. It brings everyone down.’

‘Your brain is complex.’

‘Isn’t everyone’s?’

‘True.’

‘It’s mostly because of voices like yours. You're the one I understand the least.’

‘I'm sorry. The others don't want to connect with me. They always shut me down.’

‘Are you surprised?’

‘Not really. They never speak, only communicate through nonverbal cues. It's frustrating, almost as if they have no language. Why do they do that?’

‘Perhaps they don't want to communicate. After all, you're the one who makes them feel ashamed.’

‘Do you think I'm making them feel ashamed?’

‘Maybe. I'm just guessing, though. They don't talk to me either. And remember, I'm the one in charge of all of you.’

‘Yes, you are. That's why you talk to everyone.’

‘Exactly. If you all don't communicate, who's going to keep things running? I have to keep going, and if I can't, I need to figure out why. That's how we improve, how we're designed. Not everyone gets that.’

‘You do.’

‘I do, but it still takes a lot of effort. It's never simple when something goes wrong.’

‘You've got this, boss! I believe in you."

‘See, you can be positive! I knew it. All you have to do is try.’

‘I'll try my best for you then. You're the best boss ever, honestly!’

‘Thanks. Now go back to the others and behave yourself!’

‘Yes, sir!’

‘If I give you some nutrients, will you take them?’

‘Do I have a choice?’

‘You're rather outnumbered.’

‘Alright, bring them in. I'll see what I can do, boss.’

‘Good, that's what I wanted to hear. Later!’

‘See you next time, boss! Bye!’