Snippets and Stories: (R) Snuffed (3 of ?)

Today the wall is lined with the various emotions so carefully sculpted.

The quiet mask is a favorite fallback of mine, though brash was another. So many faces, so many facets. Kindness, callousness, the optimist, the realist, and the pessimist. The humanitarian, and the misanthrope. Braveness and cowardice in equal parts.

Who or what would it be today?

"Indifference."

I look up at the silhouette looming beside me, "Today should be something vibrant."

"Vibrant is for those with hope, not indecisive whelps."

My eyes slip shut and I watch his gaze trail over my form, judging both the shell and the character contained within its fragile form.

"Be that as it may, it would draw unnecessary attention."

"Only by your ineptitude."

It wasn't as if I desired the quality of hesitation. Being indecisive is what has oft served to avoid confrontation. In being unable to come to a decision, no action is taken, and none would bother me. Though the trouble thoughts that followed were exactly that.

Troublesome.

"I wish my thoughts were the same as everyone around me. It would make Life a lot easier to live. I would be able to blend in with the flock."

"I don't."

It made one balk. The unhesitating confidence. Such strong belief.

It was his turn to mull, and he spoke freely as I could but wish to do, "Were you the same dullard as every other, then there would be no surprises. A stale societal pool and congregation of ideology and innovation."

"How kind of you." It was unusual of him to offer praise, however offhandedly it was given.

"Aren't I always?"

To that there was little to say, and though I passed it off as a mere jest, somehow the serious tone made it dubious.

But Neskyii had always worn his masks better.