“It’s really put a lot of things in perspective for me,” I said, lifting the dainty glass of punch to my lips. I took a sip and put it back on the bar with shaking hands.

“Are you serious right now?” he asked.

“Yes?” I said, unsure why he would think I wasn’t being serious, considering I was talking about how unsteady everything in my life has been after losing my job. 

“OK, I just wasn’t sure if you were doing a bit or something.” He was laughing. I felt my face getting hot.

“Anyway,” I said. I shook my head and tried to remember what exactly I thought had been put in perspective.