Radically Happy

Hat tip to the song and the book

I see a small man in a business suit, much like Boss Baby. But in brown instead of black, without such a big head.

The Earnest Redeemer: Hello there, James.

James: Don’t talk down to me. I’m small, not stupid.

E. Er, no offense intended.

J. Offense taken! What is it with you people?

E. Um, which people?

J. Big people like you! Always having to be in charge. Having to know all the answers. Telling us little people what our problems are, and how to fix them.

E. …

J. What?

E. Are you genuinely curious, or just expressing frustration?

J. Eh, mostly the latter. But I guess now I am a little curious.

E. Huh. About what?

J. About… maybe why all of us end up that way when we get big.

E. That… is an excellent question. I’m not sure l know, but I can share my thoughts if you want.

J. …

Earnest looks at James questioningly.

J. I’m thinking about what I want.

E. Take your time. I’m happy to answer a different question, or listen to anything else you have to say.

J. There! That!!

E. What?

J. Why don’t you just do that all the time? Just listen and answer questions!

E. Is that the question you want me to answer?

J. [with surprising intensity] Yes!

E. Wow. Thank you. Give me a Moment.

James fidgets while Earnest thinks.

E. Okay, two reasons. The first is that in order to create a context for listening, somebody has to create the context. Bounding it in time, space and scope so that we can safely listen. Does that make sense?

J. Eh, maybe. But that seems an awful lot like, “Someone has to be the adult, so shut up and listen.”

E. [sadly] You’re not wrong. That’s the second reason. Being an adult — creating a context where others feel safe — is hard. Especially when you yourself don’t feel safe! So the easiest coping mechanism is to use the newly-created safe space yourself.

J. But that’s not fair!

E. Exactly. But it is human.

J. Man, I was right. You humans suck.

Earnest raises an eyebrow.

J. Fine. [sighing] Being human sucks.

Earnest cocks his head at James.

E. That felt… kinda profound.

J. What? Realizing that life sucks? That’s rather old hat.

E. No, not that. Not directly. What’s
profound fact that you were willing to identify with me in my humanity, rather than labeling me as one of Them.

James actually blushes.

J. I… had a good Father.

E. Past tense?

J. [wistfully] I’m not really sure. It’s… been awhile.

E. Huh [looks thoughtful]

J. Wait… I know that look. You are trying to find a way to tell me a painful truth I don’t want to accept!

E. [both eyebrows go up] Really?

J. Yeah! But it’s not true!

E. Interesting. What isn’t true?

J. That I…. am still angry at my Father. For leaving me.

The words hang in the air.
They look at each other.

Earnest goes and gathers James into an enormous hug.
James cries.

When Earnest releases him, James is bigger — but younger. Almost a normal teenager.

J. Thank you, Earnest.

E. [smiling] You did all the work.

J. But you held the space.

E. I had… have… a good Father.

J. Yes. And now… I do too.

Finit