Thanking Someone for Their Unconsciously Spreading Happiness

Catch ball after a picnic

Déjeuner approaches young couple in the park…

Déjeuner: Excuse me, it’s nothing really. I just wanted to say…

(Young man looks worried, young woman less so.)

Déjeuner: I was having lunch, over there, on my porch, and watching you play catch ball. Your joy and laughter made my lunch taste better.

(Young man relaxes, young woman smiles.)

Déjeuner: I just wanted to say “thank you” for my lunchtime entertainment. You live close by?

Young woman: Quite far. Yokohama. For a picnic here.

Déjeuner: That’s pretty far. Mind the mosquitoes. There’s been some dengue…

Young woman: We’ve been bitten. (Scratching at welts.) We’re packing up.

Déjeuner: I have some mosquito balm at home.

Young woman: It’s OK. Really. We’ll get some at the station.

Déjeuner: Thanks again and good luck!
___________
Voice-over
In saying “thank you” for something serendipitous, words have to be chosen, mollifiers to allay anxiety need to be chosen. Imagine if Déjeuner had said, “Excuse me, I want a word with you two.” The young woman picks up quicker on the mollifiers than the young man. Ever wanted to express gratitude to someone (a catch ball-playing couple laughing and leaping) or something (a flower unexpectedly blooming) for bringing a smile to your face?
…

Bird play

Francis talks to a gull.

...

Francis: You’re playing, aren’t you.

Gull: Rao.

Francis: Just playing on the updraft.

Gull: Rao.

Francis: Play? Usually means amusement for humans. Play usually has a serious purpose for animals. Perhaps you’re playing to practice flying skills?

Gull: Wheee.

Francis: But when would you need to fly upside down? No purpose in that. Just fun. Playing, definitely playing.

__________

Voiceover

Man talks to bird. Correction. Man talks himself through bird. Is that the basis of anthropomorphism?

A dialogue with oneself leads to revelation. Correction. Depending on the dialogue, depending on the self addressed, a self-interview MIGHT lead to some understanding.

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