On What Matters
Entry by: Alobear
13th January 2017
“Really, it doesn’t matter.”
The words come out through gritted teeth.
“Honestly, I don’t mind one bit!”
The smile is bright, eyes wide.
“No, no, I couldn’t possibly put you to all that trouble.”
Why won’t she just let it go?
“But, it’s no trouble, I promise!”
Her persistence grates like fingernails on chalk.
“It’s not necessary, everything’s absolutely fine.”
Tightness in my chest, breath coming shorter.
“I wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t!”
A hand on my arm pushes me over the edge.
“Just leave it! Can’t you see I don’t want it!”
Shock and dismay on her overly made-up face.
“Well, there’s no need to be like that. I was only trying to help…”
Guilt and shame, swamping all irritation.
“I’m sorry. Go ahead. I’m very grateful.”
Perfect smile back in place.
“You won’t regret it!”
Heavy sigh.
The words come out through gritted teeth.
“Honestly, I don’t mind one bit!”
The smile is bright, eyes wide.
“No, no, I couldn’t possibly put you to all that trouble.”
Why won’t she just let it go?
“But, it’s no trouble, I promise!”
Her persistence grates like fingernails on chalk.
“It’s not necessary, everything’s absolutely fine.”
Tightness in my chest, breath coming shorter.
“I wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t!”
A hand on my arm pushes me over the edge.
“Just leave it! Can’t you see I don’t want it!”
Shock and dismay on her overly made-up face.
“Well, there’s no need to be like that. I was only trying to help…”
Guilt and shame, swamping all irritation.
“I’m sorry. Go ahead. I’m very grateful.”
Perfect smile back in place.
“You won’t regret it!”
Heavy sigh.