Monday April 7th, 2014

The exercise:

Write around the theme of: on the outside looking in.

Because, for the first time in six years, that's exactly where the Canucks will be during the playoffs this year. Certainly not a bad run, but it's been surprising to see how terrible they have been this season.

On the bright side, I won't have the chance to be disappointed by another playoff series defeat.

Also on the bright side: Max turned 17 months old today. That's nearly a year and a half. I'm having trouble accepting that.

Mine:

My view is obscured by rain-streaked windows. Those are not my tears. They came from the black clouds above, those pathetic emotional weaklings. My eyes are dry, even if my clothes are not.

Inside there is a dinner party. Bare skin, gaudy bracelets and necklaces, expensive suits. Bottomless drinks and ever replenishing platters of fancy food. Music too, probably something with strings and pianos to ensure the mood is just right.

I can't hear it over the raindrops hammering against the pavement around me, but I'm sure it's just lovely.

They have been networking and blathering breathlessly for hours. I would not have accurately guessed how much hot air a person could store within their body. Perhaps they are stuck in a loop, regurgitating each other's bulls-

Oh, jackets are being retrieved. Farewells are being said, oh so sincerely, don't you know darling? A taxi or two are being sent for, how unfortunately sensible. But even those thoughtful souls have to come outside to reach their yellow and black chariots. There is no escaping that.

Each and every one of them is going to get a taste of what life is like on the outside, and I plan on ensuring that they drink deeply.