Long Nights Behind the Bar

I've always loved being a bartender. There's something magical about those long nights when the world seems to slow down and people open up. But lately, it feels like more of a burden than a joy. Every night is just another chance for me to pour drinks, listen to stories I've heard before, and hide behind my smile. The thing that keeps me going is knowing there's someone out there who needs this escape as much as they need air, but it's getting harder and harder not to resent them for it. Tonight, I finally admitted to myself that maybe it's time to rethink what makes a life worth living. I'm tired of pretending every day isn't slipping away while I stand here behind the counter.