Ben your musical breaks were a wonderful addition to a story that was strangely relatable — once in my entire life I suffered a deep and immovable depression, for six long months I was haunted by an insane alter-ego who refused to shut up. Eventually, I accepted this anxious person I had never met before that chided my every move and we became, well not exactly friends, but tolerant of each other... she still lurks about on nights when insomnia reigns, likewise on days when I feel I am failing to make a difference in the work I do.
Thanks for your, I agree with Ann, almost comforting take !
Susie, I’ve had periodic visits from these ghosts throughout my life and they do begin to take on a persona of sorts. I know it’s going to be late tomorrow night for you, but I really look forward to connecting with you. Thanks for reading.
I loved the musical breaks, very nicely done. The idea of anxiety/depression being a familiar and knowing presence, comforting in some way, feels true.
Gah. So good Ben. (I’m glad you explained it a bit afterwards…the story/characters could be interpreted in different ways, but personifying one as depression really landed it for me.) This could be a powerful prompt to use at times, giving flesh and voice to an emotion and seeing how that character changes overtime in similar situations. Have you ever thought about being a therapist!? Your writing breathes so much life into the dark shadows of the human psyche.
I ran through the gamut of possibilities, Ben: It's a Wonderful Life, Death, a hook-up, a hooker...? Aw yes, the Holiday Blues, almost comforting. Merry Holidays to you and yours... 💚❤️🩷
I agree with Kimberly, this is a brilliant writing prompt. Someday, I’ll tell you who I guessed the speaker is. . . Now I have to sit with what that says about me ~ ha! 😳 Really looking forward to your gathering later today.
It’s super embarrassing and kinda funny. Just want to add that, as others have said, personifying depression works beautifully. It’s been a while but I do remember.
Ben your musical breaks were a wonderful addition to a story that was strangely relatable — once in my entire life I suffered a deep and immovable depression, for six long months I was haunted by an insane alter-ego who refused to shut up. Eventually, I accepted this anxious person I had never met before that chided my every move and we became, well not exactly friends, but tolerant of each other... she still lurks about on nights when insomnia reigns, likewise on days when I feel I am failing to make a difference in the work I do.
Thanks for your, I agree with Ann, almost comforting take !
Susie, I’ve had periodic visits from these ghosts throughout my life and they do begin to take on a persona of sorts. I know it’s going to be late tomorrow night for you, but I really look forward to connecting with you. Thanks for reading.
I am on holiday Ben, short of a misbehaving WiFi — sadly a possibility up here — I wouldn’t miss being there for the world!
I loved the musical breaks, very nicely done. The idea of anxiety/depression being a familiar and knowing presence, comforting in some way, feels true.
Thanks so much, Robin. Depression does have this kind of familiarity, I’ve found. It just keeps showing up.
Gah. So good Ben. (I’m glad you explained it a bit afterwards…the story/characters could be interpreted in different ways, but personifying one as depression really landed it for me.) This could be a powerful prompt to use at times, giving flesh and voice to an emotion and seeing how that character changes overtime in similar situations. Have you ever thought about being a therapist!? Your writing breathes so much life into the dark shadows of the human psyche.
Heh, thank you, Kimberly. No, I’ve never once considered being a therapist though I’ve paid for enough therapy for my kids that I
think maybe it’s possible there was some transference. I appreciate you reading and always giving such thoughtful comments.
This is a very cool premise, Ben. Depression seems comforting in some ways, oddly likable.
Yes, hello darkness my old friend… thanks for stopping by Ann!
Depression is a good listener.
Indeed it is. Thanks for reading, Ann.
I ran through the gamut of possibilities, Ben: It's a Wonderful Life, Death, a hook-up, a hooker...? Aw yes, the Holiday Blues, almost comforting. Merry Holidays to you and yours... 💚❤️🩷
Hooker. Definitely a hooker. 💀 Happy holidays to you and yours Troy. We’ll miss you at the gathering tonight.
I agree with Kimberly, this is a brilliant writing prompt. Someday, I’ll tell you who I guessed the speaker is. . . Now I have to sit with what that says about me ~ ha! 😳 Really looking forward to your gathering later today.
OK now I’m deadly curious. You may have to tell me this afternoon.
It’s super embarrassing and kinda funny. Just want to add that, as others have said, personifying depression works beautifully. It’s been a while but I do remember.
I loved this! So well wrought, imaginative and thought provoking. Bravo!
Thanks so much, Gregory!
It was wildly more enjoyable :) Hope you have a Merry Christmas!
Heh, thank you my friend. Merry Christmas to you and your family.