How are you finding things at the moment? Everything feels like a mess lately. I was stuck at that new roundabout near the office for twenty minutes this morning because someone didn't know how to use their blinker. People are just driving in circles, honestly, Ben. It's exhausting watching everyone lose their minds over something so simple. You holding up?
The roundabout is a disaster, I told them they should have bypassed it. I'm fine, just tired of the same noise. This office is a tomb anyway. Anyway, I'm looking at that trip next month. I need to get out to the coast for a bit before I actually lose it. Are you still planning on coming or did that fall through? People are getting slower every year, it's pathetic to watch.
The trip is still on, I'm not letting you rot in that office any longer. Though, you're right about the slowness; it's like everyone's moving through molasses. I saw a guy today just staring mid-walk. I'm desperate for a break from this noise. The coast will be good. Just don't expect me to be cheerful if the weather turns. I honestly need the silence more than anything.
I don't expect you to be cheerful. If it rains, it rains. I just need to be away from these fluorescent lights and the constant hum of the AC. That guy you saw probably just realized life is pointless and finally snapped. I'm looking at that place near the cliffs, the one that didn't get flooded. It's quiet enough to actually hear yourself think. If you can't handle the wind, you shouldn't have come.
I can handle the wind. It's better than the stale air in this building. That place by the cliffs sounds fine, as long as the roof isn't leaking. I'm tired of the small talk and pretending everything is fine. If I see another fluorescent light flickering before I leave, I might actually lose it. Just make sure the place is booked. I don't want to deal with some last-minute disaster when we finally get there.
It's already booked. I handled it weeks ago. Stop worrying about the roof; the owner is a solid guy who actually knows how to maintain property. I'm tired of the constant anxiety too, it's exhausting for everyone. If you're still this sensitive to a flickering bulb, you're never going to leave the city. I just need to see the horizon without someone asking me for something every five minutes. Just pack your bag and stop complaining.
I'm not complaining, I'm observing. There's a difference. And don't act like you're the only one carrying the weight of this. I've got my bag packed, mostly. It's just that the world is so much pressure to everything be "ready" for a change. If the horizon is just as empty as your office, I'll be disappointed twice. Just make sure the car actually works. I'm done with excuses.
The car works. I checked the oil myself yesterday. You're obsessed with finding something to be disappointed about it's pathetic. If the horizon is empty, at least it isn't talking back or flickering lights. I'm not making excuses, I'm just trying to get through the week without a lecture. If you're so worried about the engine, just take the train. I've had enough of this tension before we even hit the highway.
The train is even worse. I'm not going to be squished between people eating loud and shouting. You're always so defensive. It's just a car, Ben. I'm not trying to lecture you, I'm sharing a perspective. If the tension is too much for you, maybe the problem is the problem. I'll be at the door at six. I just need to get out of here without you tracking every move.
Six is fine. Don't be late. I'm not tracking your moves, I'm just trying to have a schedule. Your "perspective" is usually just a way of being difficult for the sake of it. I'll have the car running and the tank full. If you want to sit in silence, be my guest, but don't expect me to wait in the driveway while you're fumbling with your keys. See you then.
I'll be there. I don't need a schedule to know how to show up. It's funny how you turn a simple trip into a military operation. If you want to be stressed about a tank of gas, that's honestly on you. I'll be in the car, not fumbling around. Just need to stop inhaling the same recycled air I am. See you at six. Keep the keys ready.
The keys will be in the ignition. It's not a military operation, it's called being prepared. If we end up stranded halfway there because someone forgot to check the pressure, I'm not the one paying for the tow. Just make sure you don't bring that attitude into the car. I'm done with the back-and-forth before we even leave the driveway. See you at six.
I'll check the pressure myself, I don't need you hovering over me. You're always looking for a reason to be annoyed, it works. If you want to drive in a vacuum of total silence, go for it. I'm not bringing an "attitude," you're just reacting to yours. I'll be there at six. Try to actually be ready for once instead of pacing by the driveway.
I won't be pacing. I'll be inside finishing my coffee. If you want to check the tires, go for it, but don't complain when you get grease on your hands. It's not about being annoyed, it's about being realistic for once. I just want to get on the road without dissecting every single word I say. Just show up on time. I have things to finish before we leave. See you at six.
I'll be there. Finish your coffee. It's always something with you, isn't it? Always a little excuse for the delay. I'm not dissecting your words, I'm just trying to survive the conversation. If being realistic means being a killjoy, then yeah, you win. I'll see you at six sharp. Don't let the coffee get cold before I pull up.
The coffee doesn't matter. It's just coffee. You make such a production out of everything, it's exhausting. If you think a conversation is a survival tactic, then that's your problem. I'll be ready when you are, but don't expect me to be waiting at the door like. I don't have the mood for the drama today. See you at six. Try not to be late.
I won't be late. You're the one making it a production by obsessing over the minutes. It's funny how you talk about not wanting drama while you're practically the one demanding a perfect exit. I'll pull up at six, and if you're not there, I'm heading in. Just have the car ready and the mouth shut for once. See you.
The car will be ready. If you want to drive off alone because I was thirty seconds late, go ahead. I'm not going to chase you down. You love being the victim of "drama," don't you? I'll be in the car, silent, as far as you'm concerned. Just get here and we can go. See you at six.
I'm not playing the victim, I'm just tired of the script. If silence is what you want for the drive, then consider it done. It's better than this constant need for commentary. I'll be there at six, so don't make it a thing of it. Just have the engine running and be ready to go. See you, Ben.
The engine will be running. I don't need a script, I just need to leave this place. If silence is what you need to feel okay, have it. It's better than the constant commentary. I'm done explaining myself to you. Just show up and let's get in the car. See you at six.
I'll be there. I'm done explaining myself too. It's just a drive to the coast, not a philosophy debate. Just have the car ready and don't make it weird. I need to get out of here as much as you do. See you at six.
It won't be weird. It's just a drive. I'm not looking for a debate, believe me. I just want to see the ocean disappear. The car will be ready. Just get here and let's get it over with the anticipation. See you at six.
The anticipation is the worst part. It's always the waiting that actually gets to me.. I'll be there. Just don't start checking the watch the second we hit the highway. I just want to see the city disappear in the mirror. See you at six.
I won't be checking the watch. I'll be looking at the road. If you want to see the city disappear, just look out the window and stop talking. The waiting is the only part that hurts, and once we're on the highway, it's over. Just be there. See you at six.