God, I love my computer

                            The jazz bar is quiet tonight. I like to tickle the ivories with only a few listeners wondering why I’m always here, playing a solemn tune. Is this what my life has come to? A lonely old man in a bar, playing piano for no reason. I don’t play with heart anymore, only numb, robotic tunes straight from memory. This place isn’t as calming as it usually is. I must return home. I pull on my leopard-print jacket and push my red, circular glasses up my nose. I hold my head high, and drag my scrawny self outside. The Seattle night is cold. I look up at the skyscrapers, and blinking satellites and helicopters flying by. Is this what I am? A spec in a large world that isn’t affected by me? When I get home, I slam my keys on the table and slump into my office chair. My computer takes forever to boot up, and I want to throw the keyboard at the wall. Finally, I sign in to my favorite chatroom ‘YesYesTalktoPeople!!’ The posts on here are from stupid, arrogant people. They complain about their boring lives and expect others to listen and give them meaningless advice. Why do I come here? It hasn’t been a useful forum since last year. I scroll through the endless message boards and contact someone called ‘TaoTaoYeah!’ Losif Kongo (LK): Hello, are you intelligent? Most people on here aren’t. TTY: <3 LK: What is that? TTY: I’m sending you love, dear friend. I think you need it the most. LK: What I need is to live a more exciting life, goodbye. TTY: Please don’t go. Our conversation has only begun. Have you heard of Taoism? LK: I don’t need religion. TTY: Oh, but it’s more than a religion. It’s a belief system, a frame of mind, a way of being who you are. LK: That’s not for me. TTY: If you dedicate yourself to Taoism, you will learn to live as you are and accept yourself. You must live your life and avoid contradictions. Don’t worry about what doesn’t make sense in the world, and focus on honing your true nature. LK: How long is that going to take? TTY: However long you want it to. There is no set timeline. Explore what pleases you and discover the mysteries of your heart. Do not restrict yourself with anger and confusion. Bring a smile to your face, and breathe deeply knowing peace is just around the corner. Take your time and figure out who you are. Quiet your anxious mind and make the decisions that are right for you. Learn what you can in as much time as you need and feel the peace come alive. LK: Wow… your words… they’re so calming. TTY: I can teach you more, if you so allow it. LK: Yes! Please! Teach me to be calm and discover my nature! Suddenly, my screen goes blank and a blue figure explodes out of it. Standing before me is a muscular, bald man. “Hello,” he says, “I am Tao, pleased to meet you.” He holds my hand and smiles at me. For the first time in a long time, I smile too..