The Introvert’s Dream

A piece by Nathan Marvellous

I’m tired today, I think I’m staying indoors. The skies are grey, the winds are harsh and my throat is dry. I’m staying indoors. I can’t be bothered, really, so I’m staying indoors. I slide on my trousers (I sleep in my boxers), excited to stay indoors. I love the warmth of my own four walls, I’ve never felt safer than when I’m indoors.

I wish I didn’t come to this party even though it’s indoors. It’s outdoors first before it’s indoors so it’s not true indoors. This girl keeps talking, the air is fogged with smoke — I hate this indoors. She’s worried about something, but not the indoors, so I’m confused. She thinks we’re all in danger and is planning to run away. I asked her what she thinks about just staying indoors?

I’ll just hang out with my dog and I’ll stay indoors.

Week gone and I wake up again. Guess what I want to do. Now there’s an argument outside, so I’m staying indoors. People want to fight, so I just stay indoors. There’s talk about a war, the skies are now orange, alight with fire — I’m staying indoors. There’s a voice on the speakers, shouted out from police cars, telling everybody and their family to stay indoors.

I’ll just hang out with my dog and I’ll stay indoors. He has all the food he needs; so do I, because I order all my groceries — so I’m just fine indoors. Today, I’ll ignore the outdoors with its ghastly screaming and booms, and so will my dog, as he stays eating his food. I’ll put on some shows and write a piece or two. Living everyday and do as I do.

I don’t care about the conflicts or the ‘justified’ cause. As long as I’m left alone, and can have my own fun indoors. So I get ready for the day, slipping on my drawers. My hair looks good, my eyes look raw. The room temperature is perfect. The lighting is low. The blinds are down and the windows are closed. My TV is on, chattering in the back. My dog stays low, crunching loudly on snacks. I feel really good — I feel relaxed. I’m ready to write.

Then I wake up on my back.

Damn.