I hope this was pure fiction, not autobio - you're too young and accomplished to be a recluse or a hermit - I've been so afraid that I'll argue with people that I've stayed away from speaking with people. - that sounds like me, not the dashing @tristancarax! We live in troubled times, my friend (where's that meme of the guy with the cigar)... and you have to be true to yourself but you don't have to reveal your true opinions... we writers, though, just HAVE TO share our thoughts! Like pressure cookers: vent, or explode. I'm always wondering why everyone else seems to get a free pass to express opinions while I get doors slamming in my face. Eh. Moving on! Thank you for sharing this freewrite! (Now I'm wondering how many people do the 5-minute freewrite without posting.)