Bossy is a supreme eavesdropper. Granted most of the time it’s a luckless affair, but that doesn’t keep her from shushing family members in an attempt to hear what’s going on at the next table.
Bossy loves to invent entire lives based on a few overheard snippets. And every once in a while the payoff is sublime.
Many years ago Bossy and her mom were in a Japanese restaurant situated one goza mat away from a very cute young couple. And then the guy brought out the ring. Bossy and her mom exchanged wide-eyed glances, clutched their napkins to their chests, and sat in stony silence. “We’re great together,” the guy began, as Bossy and her mom mimed their approval.
He laid out the rest of his plan and then pushed the ring across the black lacquer kotatsu table and – the girl said no. Bossy choked on her pickled ginger. Not only was she saying no to the proposal, she was breaking up with him.
Everyone was devastated: the guy, Bossy, and her mother. Bossy pushed her sushi toward the waitress.
Don’t misunderstand Bossy – this isn’t about wanting to overhear a person’s worst moment, but about brushing up against the shit that makes us human. Bossy is yet to hear anyone accept a proposal, but lord knows she’s trying.
