Because really, that's all I want of you. Your face and your reactions interest me not. Your opinions and own stories matter even less. But let us not dwell on something as depressing as that. You have been cast as eternal listener to the drama that is my life. It is a most honorable position, very coveted, but I'm sure you'll do me proud. The part itself is not difficult, but it can become quite dull.
Some have even called it..."repetitive". But you won't ever say that, will you? You understand the part you must play. It is not easy and you alone know how very vital it is that you be a good audience to my tragedies.
The man in the corner will hold up a sign, when to laugh and when to cry. And you'll learn when to nod your head appreciatively, when to sigh and hold my hand.
And his job will become useless, he will become obsolete.
Though not for long.
Photo by davide ragusa on Unsplash
I fear that one day, you too will tire of being my fascinated audience. You too will grow resentful - accuse me of not listening back, of not caring for your own problems or for your life. But I'm not here to do that, I'm not here to listen or to be sympathetic. I might've done so, once. But now, I see how much more important my life is, my own tragedies, my own quick wit.
So, I have taken my attention away from you and I fear I will not give it back. And once you grow tired of that, once I've made you feel too small and too unimportant, you'll scuttle away.
And the man with the signs will come back. He will take his place in the corner and teach reactions to my next listener. And he won't care there was another before him and another before that, but I will. I'll remember you all, as I play out the next part. All the nameless audience of my captivating life.
