“Sorry I haven’t returned your calls.”  Ryan looked up to me as he crouched over and held my school mug with both hands.

Or emails.  Or text messages, I thought.  “It’s fine.” I didn’t turn around, as I continued to pour coffee into my cup on the kitchen counter.  It was ten in the evening on a work day, and one of my closest friends Ryan came all the way to my house after a really bad day.  I have not seen or spoken to him in months.

“I just don’t get it,” he leaned back, frustrated.  “I’m doing everything my boss tells me to do, and she still treats me like crap.  And the other guys are in it, too.  It’s as if they all turned their back on me; Sheila the bitch, Joshua, and Randy – I freakin’ helped him get his promotion!”

I took a deep breath and turned to him.  “Maybe this job is just not for you; I mean, I always told you-”

“And Madel, it’s as if we never went out…”  Ryan paused and looked down. “I don’t know how to face Jean.  She’s taking the boards soon.  You know she’s relying on me to get this shit together.”

“Jean isn’t the type to pressure you into doing things you don’t want to do,” I spoke up.  “I remember you were against her pushing through med school because she couldn’t afford it, but still she did it.  I mean, it’s not like you’re married already.  I’m sure she’ll get it.  She’ll get it.”  Even I was convinced with what just came out of my mouth.

Ryan let out a deep sigh and gave his usual partial smile.  “Thanks.  I hope so.  I’m lucky to have you, you’re always here when I need you.”

“Right…” I tapped the countertop and slowly turned to reset the coffeemaker.

“I can’t even contact Jerry or any of the other guys.  Kevin’s already busy with his first ever girlfriend, hah, Hannah is dating that guy from the electronics store, and you, you’re still…”

“Here.” I faced him.

“Yeah.”  He looked down for a moment and turned to our antique clock.  “Oh, I should go.  I didn’t mean to treat this like a coffee stop or what, but thanks so much for… everything.  I’ll see you, okay?  Promise I’ll answer your calls this time.”  He chuckled a bit and headed for his coat.  I just stood there, smiled and waved, as he let himself out quickly.

I slowly turned back to the coffeemaker to reset it and cleaned the filter.   Afterwards, I washed the cups and hung them out to dry like I always do.  I turned off the kitchen lights and paused for a while.  I guess my work here is done.