Hal
You know, I tried defending you to her. Till you kept proving her right. And I've been trying since. But I can't if you two can't put aside your differences for one night for someone who cares about you both.
You know, she was afraid you'd be there. Stuck to herself mostly till she figured out you weren't coming. But she still came. For me. Because that's what being a friend is. And I hope to hell if Tom ever has something important to him, you can suck it up for him. Or should we throw him two birthday parties like some child of divorce because the five hundred old can't be an adult for a night?
I'm sorry your life as a human sucks. But I'd say you're still better off. It's what you'd been wanting for years. It'll take time but that doesn't make it some fate worse than death.
You've got your friends, Hal. If I'm still one of them, you can make an effort. If not, don't worry. I've been left behind for a lot less.