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06Sep08

Cyanide & Happiness @ Explosm.net

Cyanide & Happiness @ Explosm.net

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She walks into the big hall in her new short sleeved mid calf flowy cream dress with lavender embroidery. She has styled her hair like Aphrodite would, and so, her big lavender stud earrings twinkle as they catch the light. She makes sure her flats are tied right above her ankles. She puts on a smile and starts greeting and smiling at people, only asking about their lives if they matter. She sits among them, taking a tall glass of ice cold water from the server’s tray. She knows what’s coming: small talk and the torture of fake smiles.

As she alternately crosses her legs, she nods her head at the right moment, allowing everything she hears to seep out of her mind at the right moment. She has to be aware of when the conversation moves onto another topic. At times, she says nothing and puts on an expressionless face. She doesn’t want to argue with old women about sensitive topics. She is angered by their mentality, but she says nothing. She is not going to lead a debate because it won’t be a debate. It’ll be a speech. One that will appall.

She makes a move to get up and head to the mirrors where she will supposedly freshen up, when the truth is, she needs a break from her act and their hypocrisy. She faces the mirror and pats at her hairdo while she is joined by another lady. A familiar nameless face.

Nameless: You’ve grown up into a beautiful lady!

Her: Thank you 🙂

Nameless: The suitors must be piling at the door of your house.

Her: Not so much. It’s too soon.

Nameless: Well, inshallah they will stay there until the time is right for you.

Her: Hehe, kind of you.

She smiles and turns on her heel abruptly to avoid the prying that is to come. She joins the gathering again and sits through more small talk and a bit of gossip. Why do they care so much about others? Some of the people they’re talking about don’t know they exist. She keeps her mouth shut and face deadpan as they take part in discussing the latest news and rumors. She locks eyes with her mom. Let’s go. Her mom looks at her watch and looks at her. It’s not time yet. We’re partially hosting this. We have to stay.

And so she stays. Smiling at times and expressionless at others. Until she leaves. Mentally exhausted because of all the listening and thinking she had to do. Observing everyone. Just observing. She thanks God she’s not part of that world. She’d rather put up with it for her aunt’s sake than take part in it.

—

Muffy Cake Booth

Movenpick Hotel Shwaikh

Convention Center

4th-10th Spetember 2008

After Maghreb Prayer

Come Indulge!

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