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.
She clearly sees something she likes in me, whatever that may be. Her eyes are lingering on my shoulders, my back, my arms, even my butt. She's also trying very hard to remember the quick glance she got of my face.
I don't even realize when it's time for me to order. The barista just assumes I'm not paying attention because of my music. I apologize and make my order, trying not to react to the fact that whoever
she
is, her imagination is going wild. I can almost feel her hands all over me.
I don't try to find her. I just sit down and sip my coffee. Wherever she is, she has a clear view of my face now because it's much clearer in her mind. I could easily find her, but if I looked at her directly it would make her self-conscious and this is easily the most fun I've had with my ability in forever, so I just let her-