We chase things like they’ll fix us, but half the time they break us instead.Still, there’s something freeing in that chorus.Like maybe letting go is the only way to win.
DeadStrings:That song always made me feel like watching the world end through a grainy lens.Like standing in the middle of a storm, arms open, saying okay, fine, take it.But then dancing anyway.
StringTheory27:That’s what I mean about hope.
DeadStrings:And here I was hoping it would just show up like a late train.
StringTheory27:Nope.It’s more like a song you forgot you loved until it comes on again when you need it most.
DeadStrings:Okay, your turn to sit down for this one.
“Under Pressure” —Queen & David Bowie.Surprisingly enough, this one is about release.
That moment when you finally admit everything’s too much and someone else says, “Yeah, me too.”
And suddenly the pressure doesn’t crush you—it connects you with others.
StringTheory27:Ooof, that song.That bass line?That piano?It always sounds like panic turning into prayer.
DeadStrings:And that last part?When they say it’s their last dance ...themselves.It gets me.Every single time.Like it’s saying, “Yeah, it’s all on fire, but you’re still here.”And that matters.You get it.
StringTheory27:And as much as I do, I have to say goodbye.I’m falling asleep and my cat is demanding attention.
DeadStrings:You have a cat?
StringTheory27:Yes, Allegra.And that doesn’t make me a cat lady—not yet.I’m planning on getting a second one.
DeadStrings:But dogs ...why not a dog?
String Theory27:I would love to have one, but they need more time, and I can’t give it to them.
DeadStrings:Fine, since I have more time than you, I’ll get the dog, and we can exchange notes.
StringTheory27:Can’t wait for the pictures.Hope you have a good night’s sleep.
ChapterSixty-One
Private Message | EchoZone Internal Chat
From: StringTheory27
To: DeadStrings
Date: May 18th, 1997, 11:04 AM
Subject: Park
I wasat the park and saw this guy walking a goofy-looking Great Dane.It made me think of you and this whole ‘I’m going to get a dog’ plan.
Listen, it’s not that you shouldn’t—but if you’re only doing it because you feel like you need something new to distract yourself, it might be a mistake.Dogs aren’t new chapters.They’re entire books.Chewed-up, drooly, demanding books.They’ll love you unconditionally, sure, but they’ll also eat your shoes, hog your bed, and stare at you when you cry like they know everything and nothing at once.
It’s just a thought without music—unless you need something.
Then I can throw a song or two your way.Something about companionship, or silence that doesn’t feel lonely.Maybe a track that feels like soft paws on a hardwood floor.
Let me know.
Also—if you do get the dog, I’m naming it.No takebacks.
