I don't know if this even counts as a confession, I mean it's not like I've *done* anything bad, not really. It's just… I see the other parents, you know? My kid's in middle school now, finally. And I see them, at school events, or even just picking up. They're all still talking, still making plans, still… *friends* I guess. Or at least they seem to be. And I just stand there, kind of, on the outside. Every single time. Every single day, every day. I feel like I missed the boat, you know? I was so busy, so focused on getting my art off the ground, making *something* of myself. And it’s not like it really worked out, not in the way I dreamed anyway. I mean, financially? Ha. But I tried. I really did. And now I just wonder if I traded all that parent-friend stuff for… what? Not much, really. I mean I don't even — whatever. I guess I just thought that by the time my kid was this age, I'd have, I don't know, a different life. A more settled life. Maybe some parent friends. Other parents who get it. Who knew what it was like, trying to be an artist and a parent at the same time, trying to make it all work when there's never enough money, never enough time. I see them laughing, making plans for coffee, talking about weekend stuff. And I just feel this… empty spot. Like I did something wrong. Like I made the wrong choices, way back when. Because now I'm just here, alone, watching. I think maybe it's too late now. Everyone already has their groups, their people. And I just… I never really fit in, even then. I was always the one doing the weird art projects, the one who wasn't really focused on the bake sale or whatever. I wanted to make beautiful things. I still do. But sometimes, when I see them all together, I wonder if maybe I should have just done the practical thing. Gotten a "real" job. Made some friends. Maybe then I wouldn't feel so… invisible now. I don't know. It just hurts a little, every time.