It Works If You Work It

First visit. I’m trying to keep an open mind, but it bothers me that the meeting is happening in this building in particular. Especially, given the nature of the group and why we’re all here in the first place. It’s hard for me let my guard down. I don’t know any of these people. I have a hard time talking to people I know, much more to strangers. Maybe that’s better, no? No one knows me, so it’s not like they will run and tell the people I know what I discuss here. I wish I could relax.

“Good evening everyone and thank you for taking time off your schedule to join us this evening. Welcome to _______ Anonymous. Before we begin we need to cover a few basic rules…”

He sits, as still as a statue, for the rest of the evening, afraid to look at anyone, never saying a word