unless you love them. And then they can burn it down

     Today was That Day.
     The day the first two pairs of underwear that you pull on have been structurally compromised and need to be put out of their misery.
     The day you nearly get crushed by a car driven someone who can't be convinced to stop (at a 4-way) for pedestrians.
     The day you get to your desk and find a fine film of white powder has coated it, along with every other surface in the building. (It was created by the overnight replacement of some ceiling vents.) Waste the next hour cleaning desk, chair, plant....
     The day you're working away at noon and suddenly, an entire herd of coworkers is outside your cube.             "Aren't you coming?!"
        "Where?"
        "[local restaurant, within walking distance]"
         "Um, no, thanks. I brought a lunch."
         "Why?!"
        "..."
     Because you didn't include me in your obvious plans to have lunch, Duh, until the last possible minute!
     The day you realize that someone you considered a close friend has broken what was your last remaining connection without a word.
     All in one day.

[the title quotation is by Michael Marshall Smith, from Only Forward, and reads in its entirety below]

You can send people letters, and show them photos, but they can never come to visit where you live.
Unless you love them. And then they can burn it down.