It's Too Late

After college, I had a job at the college with a janitorial service. That's where and how I met Roger. We spent our breaks together. At one time, he even lived with his girlfriend a floor above me. Truthfully, I had lost his phone number and recently I was thinking I should get in touch with him.

The last time I saw him I was getting on the bus. I had spent some time with him at the pool hall that night. A couple of his buddies were there, too. Then we went to his apartment and he walked me to the bus stop. He was always protective of me like that.

I got a message from his ex-girlfriend today saying that it was over a year since she found out about Roger. I can't remember how long ago it was that I last saw him. I feel really bad now that I didn't try harder. I was embarrassed because he told his friends a couple of things that I didn't want him to tell anyone. It was none of their business. Because of that, I didn't call him back the last time he called me. I should have.

I don't know what happened to him, but I have a feeling that he killed himself. He used to tell me that he thought about it a lot. Especially after his father died. I should have been there for him. He needed someone and I should have been that someone.

I remember telling him about my father killing himself and that it'd hurt me if he did it too.

Roger had a lot of problems and was a lonely guy. He was my friend and I should have tried harder. It's too late. Let this be a lesson: To reach out to your friends and to let them know you care.