i got paired up with this stranger, a girl i'd never met before, 20, i think her name was stacey.

we were quiet at first, just doing our job, but then we started talking. making fun of the things we were counting, laughing at the glitter that was sticking all over our fingers and our scanner.

and then we were standing together, close to each other, and it made me realize how much i missed that.

just standing next to someone who you could reach out and touch.

i had talked to emily's best friend earlier in the day. we were discussing our personal life, hers, and mine. i said i wasn't ready.

i miss her. a lot.

i miss just talking to her most of all.

and she's coming back, soon, and i'll be around, but there won't be any interaction at all.