Weird

A Mystery in Plain Sight

"He's a nice guy, but there seems to be something else going on with him."

"I can't explain it. Can't quite put my finger on it."

"I know what you mean."

"I mean, he seems like a regular enough guy, going for walks, shopping, gardening, working, but that doesn't seem like the complete picture."

"I know what you mean."

"Then he goes off kind of secretively to far-flung places, mountain climbing."

"I know, it is weird."

"Maybe he is a spy or a superhero."

She laughs.

"What do you think his special powers are?"

"Weirdness, secrecy."

"He doesn't advertise his whole life. He's discreet."

"Secretive is more like it."

"Maybe weird is the word."

"We only see a small part of who he is, the shell, the facade."

"He's genuine enough."

"Yeah, but he's holding something back."

"So people have to reveal everything about themselves in today's world?"

"Everyone does."

"Yes, everyone does."

A story by Pemba Umoja