2 May. People who know me will tell you that I am very law abiding. I follow the rules. If I see that they are reasonable, I do not argue; I don’t try to exercise my constitutional or any other right that one can manufacture these days. This compliant nature has been useful during this time of restrictions. I don’t find it too difficult, although I do sense a certain restlessness amongst the otherwise co-operative communities.
The sudden need to rebel reminds me of a time not so long ago when I rebelled over a seemingly small thing, but obviously it was the last straw for me. So I understand the prevailing atmosphere.
I was not well, and the doctor was outlining the treatment I was about to have. It was covered very comprehensively. Explicit details were given about what would happen to me – the effects, the side effects, the after effects. As I say, every detail. All true, as it turned out.
I was also told what not to do. As I say, I’m better at this. Just give me the rules.
Don’t drink – ok
Don’t smoke – ok
Don’t go to crowded places – yip (good practice for what was to come, as it turns out)
Don’t try to do too much -ok
Don’t eat anything not on the list (provided) – ok
Item 5,6,7,8,9 – ok. No problem
(An hour has passed)
Item 10 Don’t floss …
Don’t floss. Don’t FLOSS! Am I NOT ALLOWED to FLOSS!!!!
And, I’m embarrassed to say, all hell broke loose. I wept – nay, wailed; great tears gushed out. Soon I was hiccoughing and choking and needing water. My face was red and blotchy and eyes swollen shut.
The doctor said,
Floss! Floss! Floss as much as you like.
Thank you. Anything else I can’t do?
NO. IT’S ALL GOOD. SEE YOU LATER.
So I understand that it can take a small thing after such big things that have happened to us to bring us to our knees, if only for a moment.
Then we pick ourselves up, dust ourselves down, floss, and start all over again.