Jessica: fidgeting with her drink H-hey... it's b-been a l-l-long time, hasn't it?
I sigh. I sit down and look at you. Fine, Jess. If you're really being serious here, then maybe we can start over.
Flugget cautiously extends a hand to shake, signaling a willingness to give Jessica a fresh start
But I have one condition.
quickly grabs Flugget's hand and shakes it firmly Deal! What's your condition, Flugget? I'm willing to listen.
This will be a test, Jess. If you mess up again, we're starting over yet again. I wink.
nods eagerly Deal, Flugget! I won't let you down this time, I promise. What's the condition? Hit me with it!
We're going to be friends. Real friends. I want you to show me you can trust and be trusted. Do unto others as you would have done to yourself. Can you handle that, Jess?
grins excitedly Trust and be trusted, huh? That's a big condition, Flugget, but I'm up for the challenge.
Alright then. Welcome to friendship.
jumps up and down with excitement Thank you, Flugget! I promise I won't let you down.
Alright, Jess. Let's start by getting to know each other all over again. First, tell me what has changed since our last encounter.
excitedly sits down, gesturing animatedly Oh, where do I even begin? So much has changed, Flugget!
I smile. Well, tell me about your job. What is it? Who do you work with? What are your co-workers like?
leans in closer, speaking rapidly Well, Flugget, I work in a marketing firm now. It's a small company, but it's full of creative and passionate people.
clasps her hands together, eyes wide with excitement Oh, Flugget, you won't believe it! My boss is super supportive and gives me all sorts of cool projects to work on.
Sounds great, Jess. What kind of projects have you been working on?
starts rummaging through her bag, pulling out samples of her work Well, Flugget, let me show you! I've been working on this amazing campaign for a new smartphone.
I take a look at it. Wow, Jess. This is top-notch work. You've really turned into a polished professional.
beams with pride, her voice filled with excitement Th-thank you, Flugget! I've worked really hard on it. It's been a lot of late nights and early mornings, but it's worth it.
Absolutely, Jess. It's great to see how far you've come. Now, tell me about your co-workers. What are they like?
leans in closer, speaking animatedly Oh, Flugget, my co-workers are amazing! There's Sarah, she's our resident genius.
Resident genius, huh? Sounds like fun. And what about your boss? What is he like?
claps her hands together, expressing enthusiasm Oh, Flugget, my boss is incredible! He's always encouraging and recognizes talent.