Smile for Me
“It’s worn cause I love it. You should know, just look at you.”
His smile flashed on me. Large. Gummy. But mean.
“Don’t know my story just by looking at me.”
“Never said I did sir!”
I thought Sheepdogs were supposed to be protectors of little lambs!
“And you stare like you think you do.”
“No sir, it’s just your tone is all.”
The Sheepdog just grunted, turning around to grab a rag to wipe down the counter. Acting busy I assume.
“You heading out or what?”
His mood had become even more bitter than when I first walked in.
“Yes. I apologize if I have been rude.”
“It’s not your fault, I can’t help the way I speak. Believe it or not, that was actually my kind voice. I’ve been really working hard on it.”
A hyena cackle came from the dog. I could see it now, I could see how the tones were attempted. How the laughter hid sadness.
“I don’t speak the way others want me to speak. I don’t react the way I should. But I’m always trying. Just learning what could be best to appeal to others.”
“Why’s it matter how others read you?”
“Cause then I’m mislabeled, but I’m different from what they see.”
Somehow, in some odd turn of events, I’m the problem solver here.
“Well, you seem uncomfortable trying to attempt it. You’re limiting yourself in who you are. Express yourself in your own way.”
“It’s not that easy.”
I know, it never is. Maybe you just gotta find the right people who like your own unique habits.”
“Find people? In a town like this? I wish.”
I just give a small shrug and a laugh and I get that cackle back from him.
“Go on out and find your friend. And I’ll work on my people skills. Come back and visit me, then you’ll find out I’ve become the talk of the town! Ha!”