All in Life

You can’t predict it and you can’t evade it. I hear the slight falter in your voice when you've been thinking on your own and the smile that starts just a second too late. You try to hide it and from the surface I couldn't even notice. Maybe I don’t notice, years pass and still no one knows.

“Hey girlie, bring us another round, “ shouts the slightly intoxicated, plump older gentleman as he “affectionately” pats me on the thigh to set me on my way. I twist my face into what could be mistaken for a smile and briskly walk behind the counter to take my anger out on four innocent beer bottles.