#imnotaprogram

We were always a team when we were kids. Sneaking into buildings, trying to race each other, trying to outdo each other on programing or modifying our bikes. It’s not like we could rely on the adults in our lives - they had too many of their own problems or weren’t around at all! It was just the two of us against whatever. He could talk me into anything. Still could if he wanted to. Y’know, that saying about how friends pay bail, but your best friend is the one sitting with you in the holding cell, going "That was awesome!" - Yeah, that’s us. More than once.

There’s also a darker side, though. I know how easily he can talk me into doing things, even against my better judgement. From what I could remember, his dad was even better at it and my dad’s been following since. Even pranking the company was just repeating the things our parents did, replaying the same old drama like some bad sequels. And when I took the job at Encom, he wasn’t happy. I saw the pranks weren’t helping who it needed to help and weren’t hurting the people it needed to hurt.  I couldn’t do it anymore.

Can’t blame him for not taking it well. The alcohol didn’t help. Must have looked like I stabbed him in the back, even if that’s not what I wanted to do. I lost track of how many times I pulled up his number after…after the F-Con incident, wanting to call, but I’ve chickened out every time.

Now he’s showing back up…but as my boss. I’m a lead programmer in Games, but he’s the CEO. He’s in a position to really make my life uncomfortable if he wanted to hold a grudge. It’s been a long time…and we’re not kids anymore. Is it safe to trust him?  Part of me just wants to take him out to a diner and tell him everything, because he’s the one guy who will fundamentally get it. He’s heard the same stories about that world. (Pop doesn’t want to talk about it. Can’t blame him, but means I’m worried about him, too) He might be able to help, because this is hell to carry alone.

Sam,

Hey, there. Crazy year, huh?

I know that board room has to be like swimming in a shark tank, and you're handling it a lot better than I ever could. 

If you need a place to crash over the holidays, you know Clan Bradley has the doors wide open and we always set a space. Don't think you have to be tough and spend the holidays alone. You've spent too many alone already. 

Present is taped to the card. Hope you can use it. 

For what it's worth, I've still got your back, okay? No matter what. 

- Jet

Alan looks up at the boy over  the rim of his glasses. "Sam," He says a hint of a smile pulling at the corner of his mouth.

[ I feel this post on a spiritual level ]