Thought Theater

To Whom It May Concern genre: Six Degrees of Speculation

Hello! I saw you on the street today. I don’t actually know you well but we’ve crossed paths many times before. You looked the same as I had remembered. I don’t think you had the kids with you today. I saw the car seat in the back but I’m sure it was empty. I think the last time must have been early morning…you were probably dropping the little ones off at daycare before going to work. You zipped by really fast so I didn't get a good look.

Today it looked like you had your wife with you…I tried not to stare since it appeared that the conversation wasn’t going all that well. I felt bad for you both because I remember how upsetting those kinds of arguments can feel. It looked like you were going to a party or a nice dinner…you were both dressed up. Maybe you were just running late and possibly the babysitter made you late...teenagers can be unpredictable…and that can definitely be stressful. It’s pretty distracting too. I had to slam on my brakes when you changed lanes.

I wanted to ask you if you were at the downtown Toys R Us store last weekend on Saturday. You were dressed casually so I wasn’t sure. I thought I recognized one of the children but I hurried by because I didn’t want to look like I was staring at you and that clerk you were arguing with. Don’t you hate it when they hire these young kids who just don’t realize that the customer is always right? He seemed to just stand there.

I think your wife plays volleyball in the same league with my wife. Is she with a team in the City Central Division….I’m thinking they have green uniforms. I was at the tournament a couple of weeks ago watching my wife’s team when I heard a ruckus at one of the other courts. I mentioned to my wife that I thought I recognized your wife. When I pointed her out, my wife immediately recognized her. She must be pretty competitive. My wife mentioned it wasn’t the first time she had seen her in a scuffle. She’s a good player and she certainly likes to win. I think my wife just plays for the fun of it…her team isn’t that good.

I’m sure glad little league is over. My son was ready for a break. He enjoys playing but he’s gets a little out of sorts when that one opposing coach gets into so many arguments with the officials. I told him to just enjoy the game and ignore the bickering. I think he was surprised when you went over to the other team’s dugout and gave that coach a piece of your mind. Your son was sure enjoying it. They probably ought to hire referees…that way there would be fewer disputes. The volunteer system just doesn’t seem to attract good people.

Well, I better get busy and mow the lawn. I don’t want my neighbor getting upset again. I knew someone would notice that I let it go two weeks. We just couldn’t seem to get away from the hospital and my wife wanted me to stay with her. Ever since her dad died last year, she has been worried about her mother. Fortunately it looks like she’s going to be alright. That’s a relief. Anyway, I hate feeling like I’m the bad neighbor on the block.

My name is Daniel by the way. I’m always meaning to introduce myself but the right opportunity never seems to present itself. I hope you don’t mind my leaving this envelope on your windshield…you have a really nice car and I know some people get a little upset when people touch or lean on their car. I was really careful.

I included my phone and an email address. I don’t spend a lot of time on the internet…I have a way of annoying people. I know I shouldn’t try to mediate disagreements but I never learn. I guess I just don’t have the same passion to stick to my position no matter what anyone else has to say.

Take care and if I don’t hear from you, I’m sure I’ll see you around…you seem to turn up everywhere I go these days.

Regards,

Daniel