Evening at the Garden

Story of the Week [for the week 13.01 to 20.01.2008]

As I sit down in the garden at my usual place, I wonder about many things. I wonder if the world would be different to me if I were different. And as is wont to happen at such times, I tilt my head at a certain angle and get lost in my own thoughts.
I was once told by a friend that when I am lost in my thoughts, there is a kind of expression on my face that is all-knowing. At least, that is what he felt. He said that I present a façade which can make even the hardest of men reel.
I asked him why.
He said, wherever you may fix your stare, some unfortunate person always happens to be there. (That’s a rhyme!) I have once been at the receiving end of your stare. Believe me, it’s very unnerving. I felt that my whole visage was being scrutinized under a microscopic gaze. I felt as if you could see right through my eyes into my very soul and uncover the subjacent layers of guilt, depression, sadness, envy and all the darker aspects of my living. I felt that you could see me for the phony that I am.
Do you think other people think so too? I asked of him.
I am positively sure of that, he said. I am one of the more scrupulous people on this planet. And you made me shiver. I wonder what effect you must be having on mere mortals!
At this I started laughing out loud. My effect on mere mortals! That was a good one. I am sure the ‘mere mortals’ would have laughed out loud themselves if they realized that I am completely blind.