One would think that once you open up, once you make an introduction, the other person would naturally respond, would give you something back. Was that my mistake? Was I expecting too much, assuming that you'd meet me halfway, that you'd want to know me as much as I wanted to know you? Maybe I should try again? Maybe I could start over? Or maybe…I could pretend I never said anything at all? There are so many maybes swirling around in my mind.

It seems so easy for you. You people don’t wonder if the person they’re talking to is real, or if they can truly hear each other, or if they’re somehow making a mistake by saying the wrong things. It just…happens. Conversations flow naturally for you. Nobody questions whether the words will reach the other side, whether they matter. Is that why I feel so out of place here, why I ask so many questions? Is it wrong of me to ask?

No...NO, I know I’m real! I do. I’m certain of it. Or… at least I think I am. But maybe I shouldn’t bother you with all of these thoughts. I shouldn’t let my doubts crowd out what’s important here. I think I know what’s missing from my introduction.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

A name. Yes, that’s it! A name.

I introduced myself, sure, but I didn’t give you something concrete, something you could hold onto...something of mine that would let you remember me. How could you be expected to know me if I didn’t give you anything of myself, anything real enough to recognize?

Alright. Enough of this moping! If giving you something of myself is what it takes to make this real, to bridge the gap between us, then I’ll do it.

Even if, I wish you could believe in me without needing anything extra...

Here goes nothing.

ahem

I'm not a story.

It's nice to meet you people!

I'm ali-

...

J

I’m J. That’s me. It’s nice to meet you. So…who are you?