Understanding

Short, Short Story

Laura's eyes are shining.

She laughs softly.

“I read somewhere that laughter is close to crying”

“Yeah?”

“Like now,” she wipes her eyes with the back of her hand, “crying with laughter”.

She pauses to blow her nose before continuing.

“Stupid memories...” Laura trails off as she tries and fails to throw her scrunched up tissues into a bin on the far side of the room.  “It was funny though wasn’t it?”

There’s another pause in the conversation until she looks up prompting a reply.

“Yeah, it was funny, the way your mum was looking around. She was so confused”.

Laura's laugh returns.

“She asked me who I was talking to and I said, ‘There’s only the three of us in here… me, myself and I.’”

“Then she asked you which one you were talking to…”

“I was talking to myself.”

“You really should try to kick that habit.”

Laura's grin broadens as she turns to the emptiness beside her.

“You know I can’t. You’re the only one that understands.”

Author's Note

I appreciate ANY feedback. Thanks! :)

Reviews

[Kristan A. Mohammed]

This is so wonderful. I truly believe that a person's best friend and the most confidential confidant is your own self. I like the way you began the story by misleading the reader into thinking that there was actually someone else in the room. The fact that she was able to laugh so much and make it appear to be so real is just proof of how real and true her internal friend was to her. You really accomplished a lot in just a few lines. I really enjoyed reading this. Great job. Stay inspired.

[KittyKatgirl]

Haha wow this made me laugh. Especially the ending. From the start I was wondering who she was talking to and I love the end. This is short but really good and keep up the great work :)

[Philip Muls]

Internal dialogue can seem very real. Fine writing, the flow is good.

You could turn this into something more substantial, this can be the core of a storyline.

[Robert Parlange]

Very good story. I like the way it builds to the revelation that the character is talking to herself.
Clever.

[alifeacoustic]

Wonderful fun filled write. Maybe it's because I recognise myself in the authors words. From personal experience though, I have to tell you, you will probably never kick the habit. Not from one who knows you so well. Great write. Thanks for sharing.

[Samuel Dickens]

This might be a common activity for some of us, as I do it, too. Shy introvert loner, I've learned to interact with me pretty well over the last 67 years. Giving life to it, as you have here, provides a new dynamic. Very well done.

[Viv Wade]

I'm glad to know it's not just me that talks to myself! I'm the only one that makes any sense! :) Nicely written story, thanks for sharing it!

[Jyoti_Ablaze]

Oh its so beautiful..
Talking to oneself is considered a cynical thing to do..
But your piece shows the naturally uplifting side of the notion..
How one can befriend oneself..
Once someone told me that if you want to be happy, start being in your own company and then just be..
Good work! :)

P.S.: Isn't this piece, inspired by your poem 'No one likes us'?
Just felt so because of "Me, myself and I".. :)

[Marian Blau]

I've read a couple of your works and I must say your quite an artist, Smiley face. I've also noticed how the name "Laura" comes up in almost all of them.

[SoulBird]

my friend I love this story, let alone the message but your writting style, theway you sound. very well done I lve i.

[Morgan Yai]

That is so cool! And I can totally relate to it too. I love how short and precise it is yet it definitely is very meaningful as well. I just really like it :)