I woke up, brushed my teeth and shuddered at the apparition that peered curiously back at me out of the mirror.
I ignored the unmade bed, the dust on the corners and the stain on my son’s uniform. I steeled myself against disapproval from my husband, the landlady, my son’s school teachers and my neighbours. My stomach turned at the nutritious muck that I had been force-feeding my child. My husband said “Good morning”. Really!
I was the one who inspired Newton to frame his inertia principles. My bones creaked and my nerves were on edge. My body wanted to attain its lowest Centre Of Gravity position. My boss completed my review – “Enthusiastic and dynamic”. Was he talking to me?
I was generally miserable and grudged the world its happiness. Even my pasted smile was creased at the corners. My friend introduced me to someone – “So cheerful!” Me!!!!!!!
I, an acclaimed duffer, had made a mid-sized mess of my life. I regretted all my past decisions. I faced the future with declared pessimism. My life felt like a ride on a roller coaster and all I had the stomach for was a walk in the park. Someone said about me “What courage!”
At the end of the day I returned home, licking a few of my wounds and rubbing salt in a few others, weary and tired.
Then I heard the sounds eager little tiny feet, a voice so radiant and proud, yelling “Mommy’s home!”. This little young man leapt into my arms – this was his own sweet home. And all of immortal heaven was in my very own arms.
