I'm just a normal guy. Nothing special. But I do have a "thing". It took me years and a lot of therapy, but I think I have a solid handle on it now. I used to think I was hearing voices, but I came to realize those "voices" were other people's thoughts.
As you can imagine, that was one hell of a thing to wrap my mind around. I think it's fair to say my childhood was weirder than most, but now I think of it as standing in a hallway full of doors I have to keep shut. It can be draining at times, but you'd be amazed what you can get used to.
Anyway, it's a lot harder to do when I'm tired, which is why I'm standing in this long ass line to get an overpriced coffee. One thing that helps me keep control is having something to focus on, so I always have my earbuds in when I'm in public. Music is my lifeline most days.
Just a few more people and I can get my fix and head somewhere less crowded.
Then I sense it. One of the doors feels different. It's... focusing on me specifically. I look around to see if there's anyone I know. There's a flare up when my eyes reach a section of the shop but I don't linger. It's even stronger now. So, a stranger's focusing on me so intently?
Weird.
My curiosity gets the better of me. I let that door open. Slightly.
...oh...
...okay...
This is new.