The Writings of Mary Lewys

“She’s always in a good mood. I don’t understand why, working here. How do you stay in a good mood?”

One of my co-workers asked me that a couple of days ago. We were setting outside during a smoke break, though none of us were smoking. Summer had come to Florida in an offsetting fury of afternoon storms and sunny humidity. We weren’t quite sweating through our clothes yet, but it beat being inside and dealing with work.

I don’t remember what I said for an answer. If I had to guess, I made some joke, probably about drugs or insanity being the cause. At work, I don’t show the real me. It’s a version of me that’s safe for work. While work-safe me is witty and friendly, it also hides a great many things.

The real answer, the one that explains why I can smile in the face of certain stupidity and frustration, is simple really. Not entirely sane, I am sure, but it’s the only answer I can give.

I write stories in my head. Little ones, great big ones, fluffy plots and emo extremes – all of them circle around and around like shiny pennies sinking to the bottom of a well. The heroes and villains burn effigies in the back of my brain. Plots of gallantry, charity, romance, daring and passion – always with such passion! – tickle my conscious as I bend and fold them at will. The settings change easily as turning on a faucet.

If I’m smiling at work, it’s because I’m lost in story. If I’m smiling at the grocery story, in the car, sitting on the couch, walking on the treadmill, it’s because I’m picking the best order for the plot points to happen or sewing up the motivations of a character to drive the action. I’m playing with Universes exploding in my head.

So, don’t mind me going mad. I am much happier that way.

——————————
Unless otherwise expressly stated, this original material of whatever nature created by Mary Lewys is licensend under a Creative Commons License.