WDC Intervention

“Elizabeth, we need to talk. Are you paying attention?”

“Hm? Sorry, I was trying to decide what birthday celebrations to participate in. It’s WDC’s birthday, you know.”

“Yes. We know. That’s what we wanted to talk to you about.”

“Oh, are you guys finally joining? That’s great! I’ve been on for years, and I’m trying to really get more involved these days. I’m sure it would help if I had friends around!”

“No, none of us are going to join. Look, Liz, we’re worried about you.”

“We all are.”

“What? Why would you be worried? This isn’t one of those ‘don’t meet people on the internet’ things, is it? I thought you guys were beyond that sort of thing.”

“Uh… yeah no, it isn’t that.”

“We’ve been so worried about you. Ya never spend any time with us any more, we miss getting to see you.”

“You’re always on that website. And if you’re not on, you’re always talking about it. Talking about how you want to be on, talking about the things you did the last time you were on, talking about what you want to do the next time you’re on.”

“I’m not that bad, don’t be ridiculous.”

“You have plans on there further ahead than you have with any of us. In fact, I’m not sure you actually even have plans with any of us.”

“You know me; I’ve never liked going out!”

“But you should be spending time with the people who care about you.”

“Honestly, it’s not that I care less about you, really. I found a place where I belong! There’re people who get me. I can work hard, share the fruits of that labour, and no one judges me for it. At least not outside of a contest.”

“We don’t judge you.”

“That’s what you’re doing right now. I need a place that I can be creative, and be accepted for being creative. You guys are the best for some things, but I need an outlet.”

“Well, can’t you have an outlet without, like, isolation?”

“Hmm… no. People are annoying.”

“You are impossible!”

“I try.”

“Well, can’t you try at something else for awhile? Try at not writing! Maybe just come out with us for awhile. We can talk about movies or music or politics.”

“I’ve written a couple of blog posts about music and movies recently, you should check them out.”

“Oh my god!”

“Fine. We can do something else as soon as I’ve finished this entry for the Dialogue 500, is that okay?”

“Yes! Thank you. It’s all about easing you out of it!”

“Well, no. I need to get out on occasion to keep my ideas fresh, and my writing inspired.”

“This is why we wanted to talk! Do you ever try stopping?"

“Why would I want to?”