The Lightness of Being

“Look here Lighty, we really like you,” said the Mall Manager, looking at him straight in his eyes. “The Santa we are looking for must have a billowing grey beard and a big fat belly. Quite frankly your beard is scraggly and….. well…there is no belly. Kids will see you are not authentic and cry in complaint. I’m sorry Lighty we just can’t use you”.

Immersed in thought, his head down Lighty padded towards the mall exit

“Oh well” said Lighty to no one in particular as he climbed into the backseat of an uber taxi. The front seat had been pushed back as far as possible for the preceding long legged passenger whom Lighty assumed was large because the back of the chair was pushed back into his face like those airline seats. He was miffed that the uber guy wouldn’t give him a discount because of the lighter load. “You crazy” shouted the uber guy, “You got the $5 buck fare. What’s your problem”? Lighty slammed the door shut.

At home he decided to take a shower. Not matter what setting he chose he always had to do a jig or run around a bit to get wet. Singing did help. His family was OK with this but any time he had to shower at the gym or swimming pool it invariably brought the attendants running and the other users fleeing.

The other day the sliding doors at the No Frills store wouldn’t open. Lighty was waving frantically to attract someone’s attention when a heavy voice behind him said “Come on let’s go,” and as if this was an instruction the doors slid open with ease. Puzzled, Lighty started playing with the door stepping on and off the trigger plate. “Damn!” It only worked when someone bigger came in or out. That was everyone.

The trampoline at Kesra’s birthday party was tempting. Everyone was inside enjoying the pizza. The sliding door was open and Lighty slid out unnoticed. It worked. Before long he was floating up and down, a huge smile lit his face. It didn’t take long for everyone to notice. Cheering, clapping friends surrounded the trampoline. Kesra joined him. They sprang alternatively, ever higher.

The noise was tumultuous. It was only when the police arrived that they had to resume a sedate bounce. The pizza was cold.

It was shortly after the trampoline affair that Lighty joined the circus. Kesra joined him. There the loud cheering and clapping did not matter.

It was the lightness of being, of floating that gave Lighty life.