staff parade (a true event)

summoned at an unearthly hour. 9 forlorn figures. there was something surreal about watching them wearily assembling. gathered as one but yet so evidently distinct. there was no round table but they were seated around. not on the same table though. the lights were turned off, or rather, nobody bothered turning them on. silhouettes of the knights cast by the floodlights outside. each one relishing the comfort darkness brings. of not needing to stare at displeased and indifferent countenances. most of all, it spared me of the formalities of being polite. at least i didn't need to pretend to be. for that one moment, everyone was honest. there were no conversations going on, merely the odd comment, countered by monosyllabic replies to the insignificant questions. each man immersed in his own thoughts, consumed by himself. at the same time, it felt as though the world was standing still and we were the only ones allowed to move. everything seemed so static and sombre but you could feel the electricity in the air. it was too tense and finally someone cracked. i watched the scene in slow motion as he got up from his chair and turned on the lights. immediately the atmosphere lightened up. excuse the pun. immediately, everyone had their masks on, with their fake smiles and idle chatter.

precisely why i prefer the darkness.