It is strange, Heather. However, it also sounds like the sort of thing I might say if I know I've been worrying people but right now I don't need to be worried about, if that makes sense.

Huh. I emailed her back and said I wasn't really fretting, just seeing what she wanted, and she said she was just joking- referring to the time her mother couldn't get a hold of her and called me panicked.

So...ha, ha. I guess. Still weird.

huh. Send her a bunch of-ma, just in case. That is something I do when I'm concerned about people and don't know what to do. It is still better than worry.

I have slain the dread google beast and finished my research, written the letter into which the research had to be inserted, sent it off, and am on to the next project. I feel like vw!

Or does every interaction with her have a sheen of weird because of the hitting husband?

You know, that's possible. It just seems a little like, I don't know calling your mom to tell her you miss her, and having her go off, reassuring you about her health.

I think you're right. Of course, she could be caffeinated or something.

Yay, Deena!

sj, where's your tag from.

erika, it's that sort of "Well I wasn't worried about it until now !" thing. Good thing I'm easily distracted.

It just seems a little like, I don't know calling your mom to tell her you miss her, and having her go off, reassuring you about her health.

I understand. Your friend's response totally separated from the circumstance of having an abusive husband and in light of the previous incident where her mom freaked when she couldn't get in touch seems totally normal. A response that I or one of my Constant Communicator type friends would have. But I imagine that what's going on with your friend makes you extra-sensitive to any sort of even vaguely irregular response she has. And you are totally right to trust your instincts and respond as if there is something up with her. Means you're a good friend.

sj, where's your tag from.

It's from one of thessaly's poems, Red.