And I'm more than happy to offer myself,
Do you want my presence
Or need my help?
Fall at your Feet - Crowded House

There is something not right. It's not in your words - you tell me that you are okay, that things are going well for you - as well as can be expected. You don't pretend that you are particularly happy, or try to feign bliss, (I suspect you don't trust your acting skills - or my lack of insight - quite that far) but you say you are content.

It isn't in your tone. That's consistent with the words you say, as far as I can tell.

It doesn't even seem to be in your body language - you sit straight, no hint of a sag in your shoulders, no attitude of defeat, although maybe there is a touch of tension, a feeling of your being a little too in control of how you move.

Maybe it's in the tiny hesitations.

Whatever it is, I have a sense that you are hiding from me, keeping something secret, and I don't know why. I'm not sure if it is me you are protecting, or yourself. I don't want to push at you and find that I am exposing something that is too raw to touch.

But ... I'm here. If you feel able to let down the walls you have built and let someone in, then I'll be outside waiting. If there is any way I can help, anything I can do to ease the hurt that seems to hover just below the surface, you only have to tell me.

If you need a friend - you've got one. Okay?