“Happy for a Change”
Dec 02, 2019It was cold and snowing and everyone around me was miserable. I couldn’t stop smiling. Not because they were all miserable, but because I was happy for a change. It’s usually me scowling and everyone else smiling. Everyone kept telling me I need sunlight and warmth. My body begs to differ.
My shoes weren’t built for the snow. Neither was most of my clothing. It didn’t matter. The snow piled on car windshields and window ledges but melted when it hit the snow-covered roads and sidewalks. I found myself aiming for any possible hole in the ground. It’s a fun game to play, wondering how deep the hole is. Maybe I’ll fall into the next one.
The snow was falling hard and the streets started to flood. I spotted a puddle and stepped into it. I laughed as I nearly smacked my face on the ground. The hole had me standing in freezing sludge up to my waist. I grabbed onto the edge and climbed out. My body felt hot.
I continued walking down the street. My skin tingled and grew hotter. I pulled my cap off, then my scarf. Steam was venting from my pores. I unzipped my jacket and took it off, giving it to a homeless man asking for change. Confused spectators stared as I passed them when I took off my shirt and threw it into the street, when I stopped to untie my laces and removed my shoes and socks.
“Anyone need some jeans?” I asked a group of schoolboys who were pointing and laughing. I threw my pants at one of them and the others pointed and laughed at him.
A mother shielded her daughter’s eyes as I ditched my underwear and stood with my arms out, staring up into the sky, Andy Dufresne, freed from my bondage.
“What the hell is wrong with you?” the mother shouted at me as she hurried past.
“I’m fucking happy,” I shouted back and splashed them with water.
Cars were honking at me as I ran up Union. My skin was hot and red and steam trailed behind me. Maybe I would freeze but it didn’t matter. This was my happy place.