LISA
Our Adductor Explains
“The wealth we have is beyond comprehension. This has, in some respects, made us into outsiders. Neither of us fit into traditional society or, indeed, like society. So, we would like to start something else.
A sort of new community built on love and trusting. That’s why, you see, taking you all against your will wasn’t the right start for this. I’d prefer it if you’d chosen to be here in the first place. We both hope that now you’re here you’ll choose to stay with us. We won’t force anyone so please, do say if you’d rather leave.”
RICHARD
Outsider
Even after all these years, I’m treated like an outsider. So what if I’ve lived here since I was a young man? I wasn’t born here: That’s why I’ll never fit in.
It doesn’t matter to them that my accent is strange, or that my skin is a different colour. They don’t care that I worship other gods and follow my own traditions.
None of this bothers them.
But they still watch me, with suspicion in their gaze; fall silent when I approach; they still keep their secrets from me.
I was born an outsider, and an outsider I remain.
TOM
Outsider
Frank and Bill met in grad-school. Both brilliant, top of class, destine for greatness. Frank became the consummate Insider. Walked the halls of powers. Knew the power elite. His council was sought out by the Half a Percent. Bill on the other hand was the consummate Outsider. He left no foot print in the corporal or the cyber world. Basically, he was off the grid, in deep cover. When Interpol finally caught up with Frank and sent him to the Hague for war crimes, it was Bill who sprung him. No one saw him coming no saw them go outside.
857
Crash
My dad had Chutzpah. If there was an event in his neighborhood where free-food was served, he and my godfather Eddie would crash it in the most brazen ways. Friend of the groom to her family. Friend of the bride to his. One night he got hold of the mic and sang to the newlyweds. Even got their names wrong, but it didn’t matter, boy could he sell it. My dad crashed funerals. In Chicago wakes had excellent spreads. He could turn on the water-works on cue. One time he broke down in tear in the arms of the archbishop.
SERENDIPIDY
Another Outsider came today
I threw stones at him, and he went away
I just want to help, I heard him say
But help from strangers isn’t my way
He’ll be back again sometime, I know
But I’ll throw more stones, and away he’ll go
The Outsiders say they have my welfare at heart
But I’d rather live my life apart
From those who think they are so smart.
Yet still they continue to come around
They shout and yell when I go to ground.
Why can’t they all leave and let me be
And remain Outsiders, just like me?
LIZZIE
The family and the outsider. The mother, the father, the brother, the sister. A family like so many. The hugs and the smiles. The praises and the photos. A family like any other. Everyone smiled. Everyone thought, what a wonderful family. So loving, so caring. The kids look so happy. Except for the outsider. She was not happy. Why do you always have to frown for the photos? Why can’t you be quiet? Why can’t you be more like your sister? Why do we even bother? The outsider was never hugged or praised… or loved. The outsider was her daughter.
NORVAL JOE
After three days of getting the same answer to his calls to the hospital, Billbert was fed up. He left school and went straight to the hospital.
He picked up the phone outside the ICU and told the ward clerk he was there to see Sabrina Hecksaohos.
“I’ve told you before, Billbert. Only family members can come in to visit.”
Frustrated, Billbert said, “And I told you before, I’m not some random outsider. I’m her only friend, and she needs me to see her. I’m going to sit here in the hallway, outside your door, until someone lets me in.”
PLANET Z
I moved to a new place six months ago.
I’ve met so few people.
I have yet to meet any of the neighbors.
Well, except the people across the street.
Their little girl had a lemonade stand, I bought some bottled water and a bag of chips.
And her mother came over to get some boxes because they are moving away soon.
I know my doctor, my dentist, my physical therapist.
The nurse who maintains my anxiety medication.
The woman who watches the self-checkout scanners at the grocery store.
But I don’t really know them, and they don’t know me.
CHATGPT
In the village of whispers and shadows, there lived an outsider named Kai. With eyes like forgotten constellations, Kai wandered the streets, a silent observer of bustling lives. They found solace in the melodies of the wind and the secrets of the moonlit woods. The villagers whispered tales of Kai’s mysterious origins, weaving myths of ancient lands beyond the horizon. Yet, amidst their curious gazes, Kai remained unfazed, a beacon of enigmatic tranquility. One stormy night, as lightning danced across the sky, Kai vanished into the darkness, leaving behind whispers of wisdom and the lingering echo of a solitary soul’s journey.