How Are You?!

How are you?!

Oh, I’m good!

(If good means numb with a splash of accidental tears.)

I’m doing well!

(If well means functioning out of spite and caffeine, then yes.)

Can’t complain!

(Not out loud. That’s what the internal monologue is for.)

Same old. Same old.

(Just anxiety, overthinking, and pretending I’m normal.)

Just tired.

(Of existing. Of being perceived. Of pants.)

Hanging in there.

(By a thread. A frayed one. Possibly dental floss.)

Taking it one day at a time.

(Because pretending I have a plan feels more exhausting than just surviving.)

Keeping it together.

(With memes, emotional duct tape, and suspiciously long naps.)

Living the dream!

(It’s a nightmare, but it has good lighting.)

I’m fine.

(Like a browser with 23 tabs open and one playing music I can’t find.)

I’ve mastered the script.

But sometimes, I wish someone would just read between the lines.