Chip Efficiency

The morning goes really well. From the moment I open my eyes, one task seems to melt smoothly into the next. I roll out of bed, brush my teeth, spit, comb my hair, and change into the perfect outfit without second-guessing myself. I about-turn into the kitchen, where waffles and coffee practically materialize into my hands as I skim the newspaper. Then I step into my shoes and am out the door.

At 7:55 exactly, I arrive at the train station. I accidentally make eye contact with a man in a suit as I scoot past him in the aisle. I nod at him, he ignores me, and I continue on.

I walk up the street and into the lobby as if my joints are oiled. As I pass the front desk, Jenny smiles and waves at me. I turn up the corners of my mouth, make eye contact, and lift my hand in greeting, never breaking stride. The elevator doors ding open as soon as I touch the button. Even my luck is better. The faint buzz of irritation that always passed through me at the tinny elevator music never appears. I smile to myself as I watch the numbers tick up to my floor.

The day floats by as if I’m not even really there. My body moves, and my mind floats a little ways behind as if in a little balloon on a string. It is glorious. At the break room, I stop and chat with Lola and Jason from Marketing as I wait for my lunch to heat in the microwave. Lola makes a joke about something-or-other and I chuckle in unison with Jason.

Before I know it, I glance up and notice it’s 4:57. I pack up my things and power down my computer. I walk out without a backward glance, pleased with my day’s work.

The doctor is gentle as she checks my stitches and peers at my brain scan. “Any headaches, double vision, or confusion?” She asks.

“Nope,” I say. And smile.

She smiles back. “I can see the regulation feature at work already. You like it?”

“It’s great,” I say cheerfully, “Fantastic, actually. No complaints at all.”

“Excellent,” she says, capping her pen. “Everything looks good here. We’ll see you in six months for your next follow up. Meantime, our office is always open for any questions you might have.”