After months of staying in touch via the occasional group text, my friends and I finally got together in person!

Tammy, Fara, Kristin, Gretchen, and I went to Bryn’s house ostensibly to celebrate Bryn’s birthday. We all knew, though, that we were really just getting desperate to be around friends.

The plan was to hang out in the backyard, but Colorado blew in another surprise summer downpour at the last minute. So we instead played “Marrying Mr. Darcy,” a gift Bryn had gotten from her sister, and of course talked. A lot.

It was beyond nice to be able to catch up with my friends. It met a need I had been ignoring for quite some time. It was weird to not hug, and talking through masks is awkward and tiresome; but just sitting around a table and hearing how they are all doing, getting to listen and being heard, does wonders for mental health.

Plus, I married Mr. Darcy. I didn’t win, since I was Caroline Bingley and Tammy as Jane managed to snag Mr. Bingley at the last minute, but still. After seeing a few Pemberleys in person last summer, I am quite certain I shall be satisfied with my match.