A Phone Call

The vibration alerts me to the phone ringing.

Should I answer it? Do I think this phone call may be important enough to justify the interruption?

I answer. I listen. Thousands of little simultaneous explosions or geysers or volcanos on the surface of my brain.

“Not again!”

The subject matter is well known, a script well rehearsed by millions. Few people haven’t participated in it’s scenes. Some as the players, some as extras, and some backstage hands. Even the small roles are important.

“Not again!”

It should get easier, it shouldn't shock. I forget my line, I improvise and trip over my tongue, falling flat on my embarrassed face. My failure will be forgiven, it will be forgotten. So too will the role, until;

“Not again!”