Everything was hard now so you knew a change was necessary and changing circles seemed like the easiest thing of all. It was like it fell into your lap or like you fell into it. Fell next to it. Things are like this, sometimes. Every friend has a place within intersecting circles and there will come times when one of those circles looks as if it could be your own. Sometimes it is like nothing and sometimes you have to squint a little and a little more.

This time was like that. While they are all triangles and string, he whispers that you are the one who really knows how to wear a bathing suit. It is nighttime but you are still in that sundress when she comes up wide-eyed and tells you you look classy, “just like Marilyn Monroe.” After the pause you say you wish you could wear something strapless just like her. She embraces you in a way you don’t think you have a name for even though you think you did, once.

This is because you have a place. At least know that. They serve a purpose but so do you. Your place is a special one even if there is always someone in it. You do not get the calls but you are there when the calls come in. They are on the list but someone takes your hand. Remind yourself that in this world you are allowed to cut in line and that you are not supposed to care. The club closes at 2 (forget that you do not like clubs), but they know where the after party is as well as the one after that. Let someone take your hand again and teach you that in this new city underground means in a loft where someone takes money at the door but never yours.

It gets easier. If it is given to you take it and yes of course you will squeeze into the stall with all of them again. If you follow these rules it gets easier because the rules were designed with making things easier in mind. Listen at the beginning of the night when they sketch the circles for you and make the face that is made whenever that name comes up. Later on someone will shout a name but this time it will be yours and she will beg you never to leave her alone. You won’t. You are here to be here. You are not here to be alone. Remind yourself.