the reflexive apology for taking up space in a room where no one has asked you to leave

The Chair Was Saved For You

The meeting started ten minutes ago, and you are already shrinking. You pull your knees in.

You lower your eyes. You rehearse an apology for the space your body occupies, even though no one has asked you to leave.

You feel like an intruder in your own life, waiting for someone to point at the door. But look at the table.

The empty chair is not a mistake. It was left open for you.

The light does not apologize for shining; it simply fills the room. You were not invited to be a ghost.

You were invited to be a friend. And friends do not ask permission to exist.

Sit down. Take up the space that was saved for you before the first word was spoken.

Drawing from

John 15:15, Luke 19:5-6

Verses

John 15:15

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