Quandary

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As a senior at Howell, Lisa (known to her friends as Lissi) took great pride in herself. She was accomplished and she looked and acted as such. Every morning, she would steam press her uniform. On weekends she would have it dry cleaned. Her black shoes were always shiny and scuff-free. Even the Tiffany dangles she often wore, a gift from her mother, were sterling and presumed expensive. So, why did Cary say that? Lissi pondered.

Lost in thought, Lissi found the definition that had baffled her. Lissi viewed Cary, her friend, as her intellectual superior. Cary’s comment was followed by the unspoken look, gaze and wait that signifies “I’m going to stare you down until I know – you know what I just said!” So, what did she mean? This definition seems more problematic than helpful.

OK. We met on the quad, typical pleasantries, mentioned the upcoming calculus exam, inquired about her new beau Tommy, said he was cute but needed to add a few pounds, shifted to St. David’s Day, then she said it.

Did I look puzzled? God, I hope not. My vocabulary is stellar. That word doesn’t match the context. Her comment wasn’t mean-spirited nor was it complimentary, it felt precisely matter-of-fact. That look, waiting for my reaction! Then, what do I do? “I’ll catch up with you later Cary, I have to get to class.”, turning and walking away. I didn’t look back. I usually do. Did she watch me? Why did she say that?

Lissi stared at the page of the dictionary. She was no longer focusing on the word rather her thoughts were in an endless circular loop. The scenario being replayed over and over like the mobile crypto ads on her phone when she was gaming. What did she mean?