So I get on the elevator this morning. Still sleepy, but still got here on time. There's a woman who's got dyed blonde hair and the wrinkles on her face don't match up with the chic outfit. And there's a smiling Asian man, going gray, happy, smiling to himself. She's trying to be something she's not and he's embracing everything he is. I'm watching their transaction and I feel like I'm somewhere in the middle, trying so hard to cling to who I am now and not transition into someone who tricks herself into existing as a different person.
The Asian man is grinning and she gives him an acknowledgment smile. Its forced, like she's trying to flick an ant off her diet drink. He doesn't notice, and if he notices, he doesn't seem to care.
"How is it you walk in those heels?" What an innocent question. What a kind person. She doesn't even make eye contact, doesn't even turn around to almost make eye contact, she just stares at the elevator doors, willing them to open as she answers as quickly as possible: "Just do."
"Oh. Ahhaha. Well." His stop arrives. "Have a nice day." He looks at me too. In the eye. "You too!" I reply, probably too enthusiastically. She just fake-smiles again. I want to slug her.
But then its my stop and I get off, fake-smile at her, and go on about my day.
