Thursday, February 21, 2013
VV: "Good Morning Good Morning"
Our friend Velvet, who is kind to old women and small children and always pays her taxes on time, slips us a 100 Word Challenge this week with the word "Surviving". This is called "Good Morning Good Morning".
She smiled at me as I came in through the front door. It was the same ritual, the unofficial beginning of my work shift.
"Good morning," I said to Dawn. "How are you?"
"Fine," she usually said, expertly balancing phone calls and incoming email, her blue eyes excited with the prospect of another day, plunging into life.
"Surviving," she said today. Her eyes were puffy, with dark circles. I searched her face for clues.
"How are you?," she asked.
"Fine," I lied.
I wanted to ask, but I didn't stop. I wasn't that kind of person, really. Neither was she.
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Just once, I'd like to hear an honest exchange when asked 'how ya doing?"
ReplyDeleteThis is a great piece! So much is said with so little conversation. Seriously, this simple story made me so sad. Thanks!
ReplyDeletewe never tell the truth when asked that question, do we? I remember a saying that went around for years: ever ask someone how they feel and have them tell you? intimating, of course, that we really don't want to know the answer.
ReplyDeletewell done. (should the word be day or door? (as I came in the front day)
A simple and really relatable piece. There are a few occasions when I've answered the question truly (although most of the time I really am just 'fine'). Normally it does not pay off.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure that anyone really wants to know how you're doing. On the other hand, as a child, my drummed into me that when someone asks me how I am, I should answer, "Fine, thank you." And to this day it just comes out of mouth before I've even had to think.
ReplyDeleteI've heard several times, several ways, that when people ask how you're doing, they're really just waiting for you to finish your answer so they can tell you how they're doing!
ReplyDeleteWhich is...fine. I suppose.
I think "how are you" is just a courtesy. Its a shame that people dont care anymore. Terrific use of the prompt.
ReplyDelete