A Conversation With Jimmy

"Jimmy.... You know how people always talk about being able to see things in other
people's eyes?"

"Uh-huh."

"Do you think it's true? Are humans really that easy to read? Are humans that good at
reading emotions? Because in my experience, humans aren't very good at seeing
beneath an ugly smile or orange skin or fancy shoes or-"

"Julia."

"Sorry. Well? What do you think?"

"I know you can see tears. You can see that moment when someone's eyes start to
twinkle and shine."

"But, beyond that?"

"I'm not entirely sure. Perhaps it depends on the person."

"Do you think they're rare?"

"I think humans are instinctive creatures. They can tell when something isn't quite right.
When someone isn't their usual self. Some people are more observant than others...."

"I'm observant. Sort of."

"Well, you'd better be for what you're going to major in."

"Ha. Oh yeah."

"Geez, Julia."

"I mean, I see things differently than other people. I know I do. It's just that... Well, I don't
think I can read people like an open book. Like the characters I write about. They can
see things in other people's eyes. Like goodness or badness or sadness or gladness.
Ha."

"I think you're over-thinking again."

"I tend to do that a lot. Don't I?"

"Uh, yes. Yes, you do."

"Can't help it."

"At least you realize that you over-think."

"Hm. I guess."

"Is there something else on your mind?"

"Well, do you ever wish you could go back in time? To re-do everything? To fix the
things that keep you up at night. The memories and the relationships. There are so
many things that keep me up at night. They're part of why my head feels so crowded,
you know?"

"Sure."

"Just sure?"

"We can't actually change the past, you know."

"Yeah... I know."

"So then what would be the point in lingering on it? On just wishing we can change things? What you need to focus on is how to take your experiences and mistakes and learn from them. You have to learn to save yourself. Survival of the fittest. Fittest and smartest. Don't get left behind with all of the other dreamers."

"So I can't dream?"

"Julia, there's nothing wrong with dreaming. It's getting lost in your dreams that's the problem. You have to maintain some sense of reality."

"Or I'll get lost."

"Then what are you good for?"

"Nothing."

"Except good lies and good stories. You said you wanted to save someone, didn't you?"

"Yes."

"Good. Dream about saving someone. Use that dream to shape your future. Learn from your past to be your present to change your future. And, someone else's."

"And?"

"And, you'll be living. Isn't that what matters?"

"Yes."

"Love the life you live. Live the life you love."

"Who said that?"

"Bob Marley."