Melancholy Ed

          “How was your day today Tom?” Ed asked as I walked in this evening. I paused and gaped at him. “Seriously?” he added.

            “Er… it was fine thanks.”

            “Great! Why don’t you sit down and I’ll grab us a beer.”

            “Sure.” I was concerned. Ed wasn’t being cheeky, as usual, sneakily being friendly for some ulterior purpose. Rather, there was something a little melancholy in him. I felt rather uncomfortable.

            “What’s it like?” he asked when we’d sat down, “what’s it like knowing where you stand every day? Having respect from those around you and doing a good, solid job?”

            I frowned at him, suspicious. Yet he was serious. “It’s satisfying,” I answered. “It feels good to build a secure future and know that one day I’ll be able to buy a house and support a family in a decent manner.”

            “You’re doing pretty well, aren’t you mate?”

            I didn’t know what to say.

            “I just… thought I should say it,” he said, “I know I haven’t done, but there it is: I’m impressed, you’re really making it in life.”

            “What’s the matter Ed?”

            “Nothing, honestly. I’m just feeling a little stagnated or something right now. Maybe I’ll move to Canada.”

            I frowned again. Again I saw he was serious. I could see him processing the idea in his mind. I’m not sure how I feel about it. I’d certainly miss him, and I’d have to find a place of my own, but at least his crazy distractions would be gone from my life and I’d be able to make progress in earnest.

            Overall, though, I don’t want him to go. I’m glad, even a little flattered, that he’s finally recognised my achievements. This is only reasonable, it’s what I deserve, yet I find it a little unsettling coming from Ed.