Before the Journey

 

Nervous. My breath goes faster. Quick looks, short sentences, little movements.  

 

The coffeetable is round and the polished wood is shining. A few late summer flowers in the vase. 

 

"Can't we all just sit down like grown ups and have coffee and cake?!" an enraged thought shouts frantically.

 

The bustling stops for a moment. The thought is looked at with astonishment. 

 

"It's ok, we are all a bit nervous today."

 

"Its not ok. Nothing is ok. I ..., I ..., I ..."

 

The thought gasps for air and starts wringing it's hands.

 

The other thoughts look at each other irritated.

 

Then all talk simultaneously. 

 

"Just sit down and have a break."

"We are here for you."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"Have a glass of water!"

"Do you want some weed?"

"My aunt always recommended to inhale eucalyptus oil. Want some?"

"Just go outside for a moment. Some deep breaths at the fresh air. Helps a lot."

"Oh my, its you again trying to spoil the party?"

"Your trousers are to tight. The energies can't flow if you wear these skinny jeans. No wonder you are nervous."

"Why are you nervous? Aren't you prepared well enough?"

"Don't fuss around. Just ignore being nervous."

"The room is a bit dark. Could we switch on a light?"

"Is there something you are afraid of?"

"She's always like this, when the going gets tough."

"It is her cowardice."

"How do you know the thought is a she? Male thoughts never get nervous? Pah."

"We thought we are just here for coffee and cake. We didn't expect a nervous break down self-help group."

"I'm not a therapist too."

"I'd prefer a cuppa."

"There's a crack in the vase. Water is dripping from it. There will be stains on the wood. Shouldn't we do something about it?"

"Have you heard the latest news about Cop27?"

"They should really do something about these clima terrorists!"

"You mean oil industry and other polluters."

"Can't we just for once enjoy a bit we-quality-time without all the uglies out there?"

"There is not enough sugar for my coffee."

"Where did you get these flowers? They look a bit sad."

"Did you make the cake?"

"Is egg in the cake? I can't eat eggs because of my allergy."

"The colors here are nice."

"Why is there such a untidy corner?"

"There is so much sunlight in the room. Couldn't we pull the shades down?"

"I found something interesting on the internet right now!"

"Oh yes. I found something interesting on the internet too!"

"There's something interesting in the internet. I'll show you!"

 

The tought has by now put the head between the hands and is breathing shallowly. It's almost fainting.

 

A loud voice intervenes. "Can't we just listen to our nervous fellow? Maybe it has something important to say! - Hey! Hello! You over there, could you please shut up for a moment?!"

 

Surprisingly, there is a moment of silence.

 

The former loud voice turns to the nervous thought. In a reasonable friendy tone it asks "Why are you nervous?"