The Human Condition

How much are we really conditioned by people, television, even sounds or lights? Many do not realize how much we mimic or obey in today's society. Can we really be ourselves or an original?

 

 

“Damn, I can’t stop thinking about my life and how it got this way, but hey that’s what they say�"that’s life! One day I wake up and I’m fighting for custody!” Derek quickly says to Frank in an abrupt and vigorous voice while they finally find a good seat at the bar.

 Derek takes another gulp out of his pint of beer. He gets lost for a moment steadily looking throughout the bar. As he continues to look lost in thought he glances at the pool table then at the darts, television, and then back to another sip of beer. Frank gives him a quick nudge and tells him in a lively spirit while he continues to heightened his spirits, “Well Why don’t you livin’ up a bit, you’re out with me; no one to answer to, no one you have to conform to, and no one telling you what’s right or what’s wrong. Here you are a man and you know it. Here is the first step of a new life and on your own.”

They share a cheer together and reach somewhat of a mutual agreement and understanding. After the cling of their glasses hitting, Derek begins to feel the discomfort of his life piling on him again like a million bricks and starts to say,” yeah, well… I wish it was�"“

Ding! A bell interrupts his sentence as well as Frank telling him to hold that thought. Derek pauses in confusion and watches in amazement as Frank barks repeatedly followed by a shot of tequila. “It’s tequila night at the tavern when the bell rings you take a shot, ya get it?”, Frank said as he gasp for air with a raspy voice after delivering himself with a shot.

“Why?” Derek said in a gloomy tone.

“Because… it’s Tuesday and the bell rang, so cheer up buddy and get with the program!”

“Why take shots?”

“Because… it’s the bell-- why not huh? Here try it.” Derek lifts his glass barks and takes a shot almost as he didn’t really want to participate and with not much enthusiasm then continues on about his divorce.

“Anyways, like I was saying, I have so many questions on why she left and even worst now she’s a lesbian. I mean was I bad as a man, a husband, or the sack; what’s a guy to think? Did she think about this before? And what’s worst of all is that I’m now divorced and can only see my daughter twice a week!”

As a friend tries to help another Frank replies with a “Well, after you stop whining and focusing on the negative you’ll realize that you are here.”

“What do you mean, here?”  Derek replies in a confused  half spirited manner.       

“I mean you’re here… with me”, Frank replied to be funny and continued.

“I mean you’re here. You would have never been here if you were still married, you are free to do whatever it is you want and not have to listen to people (like your ex-wife) saying how you can’t do this can’t do that and all that non sense bullshit. Break the chains my friend and be a man; fly my amigo, be you listen to yourself!”

“You know what Frank, your right. I’m my own person�"no one telling me what to do anymore sounds great!” Derek continues on and on finding relief and confidence with every word spoken.

DING! The bell rings. They both pick up their shot glasses of tequila; bark hysterically, and down the agave concoction.    

 

 

 

Author's Note

Any grammatical errors please let me know