I Wanted One Person to Ask Twice

Dear Delyara, Not “How are you?” That question is too easy. I wanted: “How are you?” And then, after my first answer, “No, really.” I wanted the second question. The one that says someone noticed the flatness in my voice, the shorter answer, the face that still looked normal but not quite like mine. Nobody asked twice today. I know people are busy. I know I’m hard to read when I’m trying to stay dignified. Still, I wanted it. That’s the truth.