Of course he’s called Rupert.
Tom
I know. It sounds like I made him up, but he’s real and deeply committed to that name.
Me
I need moreinformation.
Tom
He’s an artist. Properly talented, slightly dramatic, and incapable of making tea without it becoming a statement about the state of the world.
Me
That sounds exhausting.
Tom
It can be. It’s also oddly grounding. He’s very good at calling me out when I disappear too far into my own head.
Me
That’s quite specific.
Tom
Everything about him is. He once spent ten minutes explaining why a particular shade of grey was emotionally dishonest.
Me
Was it?
Tom
I didn’t challenge it. I’d already lost the will to debatecolour ethics.
Me
I’m with him on the grey, but I think you handled it sensibly. There’s only so much energy worth spending on colour ethics.
Tom
He’s good company, though. Very observant. Notices when I’m running myself into the ground and calls it out without making a song and dance about it.
Me
That sounds useful.
Tom
It is. Annoying at times, but useful. He keeps the flat human.
Me
I get that. A human flat is nice. I just like my solitude.
Tom
