“hey, it’s been a long time! How are you?”

The message couldn’t have come at a better time for Jen. She had been looking through her list of contacts, wondering who she could talk to about her new vocation.

Her friend Marnie introduced her to the organisation a month ago, and Jen had been able to name some small progress on her own, but it was impossible to gain recognition if you didn’t recruit more people.

Jen smiled and set up a coffee date for tomorrow evening.

Annie looked like she was dressed to host a news segment: curled hair, bright lipstick and a dark blazer. She looked out of place in the chain coffee shop. But Jen was already looking forward to steering the conversation to her new business.

Annie got there first. She only ordered a tea, bragging that her company’s new product gave her all the energy she needed. She’d just gotten back from a conference, which is where she got this darling brooch! She saw Jen admiring it, and oh wouldn’t it be wonderful to work together? Jen looked so tired and pale after all, noting the dark circles under bloodshot eyes. Annie could help with that!

Jen was horrified. She made some half-hearted noises of approval and scalded her mouth with coffee until she could make an excuse to leave.

Back in the car, Jen threw Annie’s business card under the seat. What reprehensible behaviour. She didn’t even ask Jen about her life.

Jen adjusted the rear view mirror, bereft of her reflection. Life is too long to offer immortality to the crass.