I have characters in my head that I communicate and have adventures with, imaginary friends essentially. They help me problem solve and fill in friendship voids as I have trouble making and keeping friends and maintaining relationships with coworkers.

I've had characters come and go all throughout my life. These particular characters came as I dealt with my sexuality and loneliness and I've grown attached to them over the past seven months.

I've recently started a new job which is hectic, and thus my characters became overwhelmingly complicated. I developed a crush on a coworker and when he became involved in my fantasies I decided enough was enough.

I spent my time in the car driving explaining to my characters that I needed a break and it was time to say goodbye. I cried/am crying, naturally, because they are a significant part of my life. I've spent every day with them doing most everything, and it hurts me to see them leave.

They're gone, I feel them gone, but now I miss them. I know I need to focus building relationships with my coworkers in the real world, but I feel so alone without them, and it's only been a few hours. There's still time to bring them back, and I know that if I don't, they'll be gone forever like my other characters and perhaps replaced by new characters.

I wrote this for me personally, because I know it's up to me to decide whether it's time to let them go, but I feel so sad and confused. I love them so much, but they're not real, but if they're not here, who else will keep me company?