##Promise to Change

The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life, but what did you do when the mundane was boring?

That was John's affliction. His reality was remarkably dull. The average observer would be fascinated by his mediocrity. He worked as an accountant for a mid-sized company where his performance reviews were neither exceptional nor abysmal. His cooking skills were enough to ensure he was never ravenous, but he didn't enjoy what he ate. He had a small circle of friends, and he had no trouble getting dates with men and women. Though, everyone he dated walked away wanting more excitement.

And John accepted this reality. Life would never provide him with excitement and joy. Apathy was all he could muster. He couldn't hope that it would get better because hope would lead to disappointment. Disappointment was common in his youth when he strived for greatness and fell short so often.

A large part of him wished that the origin of his aloofness wasn't so mundane. In his youth, he imagined that he would suffer a tragic accident on his way home from school. Everyone would cry and support him. His recovery would capture their hearts. Minor setbacks would be large obstacles, and small victories would be grand triumphs. Alas, he was cursed with normalcy, and that was existence.

Until he sat next to that old woman on the bus.

"You have lovely eyes," she said to him. John raised an eyebrow at her.

"Thank you," he replied.

"They remind me of my husband's." The woman began to weep.

"What's wrong?" John asked.

"He died last week, and memories are coming back." She wiped her tears as John patted her on the back.

"I'm sorry for your loss."

"Thank you. When I see you, I can't help but be reminded of the good times I shared with him." She hit herself on the head. "I'm sorry. That was extremely inappropriate."

"No, it's fine. I understand." John moved closer and looked at her. In his heart, emotions began to stir. "I'm sure he was a good man."

"He was a great man. He made every day special. Even when I woke up with the worst moods, a few seconds with him made the world seem okay," she said.

"That sounds amazing." John smiled as emotions stirred within him.

"He was a bit naïve, but in a cynical world, joy is a rare necessity. Would you say you're the same way?" she asked.

"Yes." John lied without hesitation.

"That's good." The bus stopped, and the woman stood up. "This is my start. Thank you for brightening my day."

As she left, John felt his world shift. His lie became a promise. A promise to support others. A promise to see the good in life. A promise to be happy. It was a promise that he would keep.

r/AstroRideWrites