#Chapter 146: Self-Made Misery

“So, how are things?” Jasmine asked when I sat down across from her. “Life has changed a lot in the last couple of weeks,” I admitted. “And I could really use a girlfriend.” “Well, you’re always welcome to talk.” I shook my head. “No, thank you. What I need is a distraction, something to get my mind off unpleasantness and move me in a positive direction.” I leaned toward her. “I have a question, and it’s off the record. This is just for me because I haven’t been in Packhaven long enough to fully form an opinion of the city, and I seem to be getting rather homogeneous answers when I ask people how they like living here. No strings attached, person to person, no one to impress; what do you think of life in Packhaven?” She glanced around and leaned across the table, beckoning for me to come closer. “I think there’s a lot more to Packhaven than you can see on the surface, and I think a huge chunk of the residents choose not to look any deeper.” She leaned back, keeping her voice soft.