There were days when he just didn’t feel like talking.
When he got in to work he knew it was one of them. He had his tray full of invoices that had to be checked and he had the relevant computer screen open. He had only just begun when the girl across the room called out and smiled. He gave her a quick wave and smiled back, then quickly went back to his screen.
It was definitely one of those days that he wasn’t in the mood for talking. She said something else, but he pretended that he didn’t hear. He thought about how hard it was at times letting others know that you don’t really feel like talking, without talking. If you do say something… it can easily be the start of something, like talking. An hour later the co-worker got up and left. When she returned she paused at his desk.
“You’re quiet today,” she said.
He just looked up and shrugged.
She stood for a moment before returning to her work station.
He kept working, knowing that she was looking at him. She was a nice girl, he thought, it wasn’t his intention to upset her. Anyway, that was how the day passed. When it was time to leave, he felt a small concession was required. He considered a brief word before leaving was appropriate.
Before leaving he said, “Good night. Didn’t feel much like talking today. Hope you understand.”
“Of course I do,” she said.
But she didn’t…