This one is so lovely and the prompt is so clever.
"For the first time that evening, I paid attention to the scrawny boy – in a formal shirt two sizes too big for him – sitting in front of me. He had put his fork down and was cracking his knuckles, something I always do when I am anxious."
I could just imagine this guy sitting there and looking at the face opposite him.
This was a lovely piece. I’m new here and for some reason I’m seeing a lot of lawyers on Substack, pretty good writers. I’m not sure if it’s the algorithm or may narcissistic traits kicking in. :)
Reminded me of A Christmas Carol. But your present day guy is a much nicer version of Scrooge. And of course the ghosts of Christmas past and future must have invited his past and future versions to the coffee shop. Enjoyed reading this, as always.
What a clever way to explore identity and priorities. The ending—‘We are happy’— gave me a genuine sense of relief and hope. Beautifully written!
Thanks a lot for reading, Shraddha! Glad you liked it. Much credit goes to the prompt. :)
What a clever prompt and an equally brave response. I don't even want to think of ten years later!😅
Haha, yesh, the prompt forced me to confront some uncomfortable scenarios. Thnks for reading!
This one is so lovely and the prompt is so clever.
"For the first time that evening, I paid attention to the scrawny boy – in a formal shirt two sizes too big for him – sitting in front of me. He had put his fork down and was cracking his knuckles, something I always do when I am anxious."
I could just imagine this guy sitting there and looking at the face opposite him.
"We are happy" was a saviour.
Thanks so much, Rakhi! I'm glad it spoke to you. The prompt was a gift.
This was a lovely piece. I’m new here and for some reason I’m seeing a lot of lawyers on Substack, pretty good writers. I’m not sure if it’s the algorithm or may narcissistic traits kicking in. :)
Thank you, Abhishek! Glad you liked this and appreciate your note. :)
A delightful read then, and a delightful read now 😊
Thanks so much for the always-kind words, Binu! :D
As before, I love this essay! :) And sorry for forcing you to contemplate ageing :P
Thank you again for such a wonderful prompt! I'd never have written this without it. :D
Reminded me of A Christmas Carol. But your present day guy is a much nicer version of Scrooge. And of course the ghosts of Christmas past and future must have invited his past and future versions to the coffee shop. Enjoyed reading this, as always.
Thank you, Rahul! I must read Christmas Carol, thank you for reminding me about it.