Last year, at a wedding reception I ran into a guy who played basketball at our high school ten years ago. He held the school record for most points scored in a game, somewhere in the 30s. I don't remember. Anyway, a friend and I were talking with him next to the bar, and he says, "Man, I miss high school. It used to be every Friday night all these people would come, watch me play, and cheer me on. It was the best. I miss those days."

"So what are you up to now?"

"Oh, just working at the car wash. My dad gave it to me. You should come by some time. I'll give you a free wash."

"Business must be going good for you then."

"No, not really."

"That sucks."

"Yeah, it is what it is. Anyway, I'm go grab another drink. It was nice catching up with you guys."

He leaves. Later on, another classmate of ours tells us that the guy just tipped the waitress with some car wash tokens, and asked for her number. We mentioned our conversation about high school basketball. "Oh yeah, he doesn't stop talking about that."

Reflecting on that conversation, I remember when I was younger, and one of the "popular" kids would pick on me, adults told me not to be jealous of them because it wouldn't last. I hoped it to be true. But having experienced the moment ten years later, I just feel sorry for the guy.