"Everybody's Changing"

Cheryl and Abbie are sitting by the lake. It's hotter than normal but the water is still cool and crisp.

Cheryl: You want to talk about it?

Abbie: Yes. But I need to also figure this out.

Cheryl: "You say you wander." That your mind has been wandering, yeah?

Abbie: Yes. all in my head. It's been like this for a few months now. I thought I caught it, but I don't think I did.

Cheryl: Why don't you head out to "your own land." For a couple of months. That plot you mentioned in the woods?

Abbie: Because I'm fine. Sure, whatever it's burnout, "but when I think about it" everyone faces it and it’s fine.

Cheryl: It's not fine. "I don't see how you can" take this so lightly.

Abbie: There are so many worse things to deal with.

Cheryl: Don't you see though, "you're aching" and "you're breaking" under the weight of whatever it is. You're going to need a break.

Abbie: It's just work. I'm there 9-5 and then it's over.

Cheryl: You know that's not true. You're constantly thinking about work. The last time you spoke about it you mentioned it was something… like… that you had to do even more than what you have to do on the daily. Somehow you're doing that in the same amount of hours and it's driving you batty. "I don't see how you can" ignore everything else you see in everyone around you.

Abbie: You ever feel like this?

Cheryl: Everyone has. Especially with the pandemic.

Abbie: That feeling where "you're aching, you're breaking" and you don't know what else to do.

Cheryl: Yes. It's a thing. You've been ignoring it, and now you can't because you recognize what's going on. You're not going to like this but "I can see the pain in your eyes."

Abbie: This whole thing has really done a number on me.

Cheryl: If it helps, you're not alone.

Abbie: It's exhausting. Too much work, too many changes, not enough division of labor.

Cheryl: (jokingly) You could always start being bad at your job.

Abbie: Ha ha. You are soooo funny. That'll never happen. So what you're saying is that "everybody's changing? And I don't know why."

Cheryl: That would have been true with or without all the stressors of the last 5 plus years. Feeling any better?

Abbie: No. There's "so little time" and so much to do.

Cheryl: "Try to understand that I'm" only trying to help. If you don't want to talk about it just say the words.

Abbie: It's fine. I probably should talk about it. You know me. Guess I'm "trying to make a move just to stay in the game."

Cheryl: Of work? That's not a fun game. You're going to be fine. You're like the hardest working person I know. I wonder about you sometimes.

Abbie: Ready for dinner?

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