Dissociation & Performative Intimacy.

There's been too much going on in the world that when I am not working or paying attention to my pup, I dissociate. 

But after years of avoiding the scene, I ventured out to cafe to return to a human existence. 

Latte. Vogue. And sunshine filtering through a shaded patio.

Just me.

And a couple - possibly just friends - at the other end. Talking about a multitude of things... Including Bruce Wayne's trauma.

Their existence felt performative. To each other. And for me

• The Guy: He's writing a book Of course he is. He used Batman's archetype to externalize his own need to feel like a tortured, misunderstood genius. Or perhaps just to see if she'll stroke his ego by fawning over his manuscript.
• The Woman: She's playing the role of the Supportive Muse. Leaning in just enough to keep the dynamic going.
• The Conversation: Analyzing Bruce Wayne's trauma is the modern equivalent of talking about the weather.  It's safe. It's performative. And it's meant to signal "depth" without actually requiring them to be vulnerable with each other.

Two people... Trying to build a bridge of connection using comic book lore as the masonry.

And providing the soundtrack to my few moments in the public world. 

There's a specific kind of freedom in being the only person in the room who doesn't need anyone else to validate their narrative. 

Sometimes thee best way to participate in the world is to sit firmly outside of it.