the threads in her head

Are you fast or am I slow?

A simple statement overheard drives my brain into overdrive.

Almost.

If not for the lulling waves and gently rocking waters that so lovingly soothes my mind, and fills a great part of it all. Savouring savouring, taking it in, my brain breathes in that wonderful picture while pondering over it all. And it feels good, to be able to feel quite detached from it all.

Feel. detached. That's all I need for now.

And I think and wonder at the two options that are suddenly presented. To compliment myself and agree that yes I'm fast? Or to just conclude that my reaction is normal and you're plain slow.

I could always reply "both", but doesn't that spoils the fun of a good thought?

So perhaps I should say, "I'm fast". Compliment myself, stay nice, and not insult you so directly. Your feelings before mine, that's all dearie. For saying you're slow can be quite a direct insult, a mock light-hearted teasing. But yet if I'm a friend, perhaps I would indeed reply with you're slow instead, for it is a light-hearted teasing that shows how comfortable I am around you, and such closeness is warranted among friends.

The thoughts continue and then come to an end, and I feel the bobbing of the boat, and see the waves, and buildings far away..

And that's all I take away with me today. The memory of the bobbing, the motion of up and down in my head. So strong, so very strong. The rising and falling, and light hands, so light, so light, so light...

Please excuse me. My brain has decided to go for a bumboat ride.

And I think I would just reply with "both" after all.