Misery

Holbrook found him in the corner of the Sullen Steed, marveling that his choice of pubs should set so perfect a stage for their conversation. He prepaid for two rounds and took a seat across from York, surprising the man to the point of making him gasp. "Do I owe you money?" York asked, and Holbrook chuckled. "I am here to leave the thing in a better state between us, seeing as I am off to France for the next while on business." "A new lecture?" York asked pointedly, but Holbrook shook his head. "Gratitude. Gratitude for what has been and a wish for your future." The drinks arrived and York settled, staring straight into the glass. "We've been friends a long time," Holbrook started, "and many a happy memory has been made. It is to them that I raise my glass and give you my most sincere thanks." After the toast, he continued. "We are at a crossroads and, as I am traveling, I must leave you there in the hopes of meeting you in a better place at some future point. I wish to remind you that I think your potential to be profound and the opportunities before you to be nearly limitless. To attend to any of it, you'll have to leave your preoccupation with misery behind, just as others struggle to free themselves from drink or opium." York said nothing and did not lift his gaze. "I know the dire circumstances of your past and marvel that you have survived it," Holbrook continued, "but you were not created to live in its shadow. Whether you believe that God, a winsome universe, or an accident of evolution has led us here, we are more than what has shaped us ... so much more." "What would you have me do?" York hissed bitterly. "Take the reins of your life as a free man," Holbrook answered, direct and kind. "Shake off your practiced despair and live. Stop playing at being cursed. Stop acting the part of Frankenstein." "You have taken tremendous liberties here," York glowered. "I have," Holbrook agreed, and rose from the table, "but love emboldens, does it not? Remember me as fondly as you can." He left the pub directly afterwards, pained but resolved to help if he was asked to and prepared to take his own advice going forward.