Roller Coasters

You know that feeling you get on a roller coaster?  As you take the initial plunge, your heart races and your entire body tenses up with anxiety.  Then you swoop down, and, as soon as they emerged, all your worries are swept away by the exhilaration that rushes through your soul.  After the ride, you are eager to run to the nearest line.  You long to experience the same excitement.

Now rewind a few minutes.  Once again, you are plunging downward.  You choke up with fear, and you feel like you can't breathe.  Only this time, the relief and excitement doesn't come.  You dangle within those first few moments, unable to escape the overwhelming flood of troubles.  Once the ride is over, you stumble away from the crowds.  You feel empty, shocked.  Dazed.  And all you want to do is curl up and cry, even though no tears come.

This is what it can feel like to be disappointed by someone you care about.  And sometimes, you aren't so sure you want to go to the next line.  Sometimes, it feels simpler just to go home.