(.........)

Dear Octopus,

I'm not going to lie to you, I'm struggling. I didn't have a good day today, at all. And now, come to think of it, it's been a long time since I had one. New York I guess. But that was over a month ago.

I know what you'd say, if you were here. In your sweet, concerned way you'd tell me to pull myself together, that I'm 'better' than this, that it's silly to be self-pitying when there is so much good in the world that I could be part of......and such pious misery, from which I should at least try to keep a sensible distance, and into which I should avoid getting dragged at all costs. And I guess, in parts, you'd be right.

I don't really know what else to say. Sorry. A grim, pessimistic view for a Wednesday evening. Lord knows I could use some of your advice now. Just to hear you say it. But I guess that's not on the cards.

Your loving friend,

Action Squid