Excerpt
You are probably wondering what I am doing on this train, staring out this dirty window. I am staring at the passing scenery, which might as well be a blur, since my eyes refuse to focus upon anything that would interfere with my thoughts, disjointed as they might be. I am heading home for the Christmas holidays, would be my initial response. Why, you might protest, why take a train, especially since an airplane would be so much quicker. And, if I chose the right airline, it probably would be equally as economical as taking the train.
Why was I taking a train? Why do I, David Blackmore, always insist upon becoming involved in relationships that are totally wrong for me? The reason I ask this is because the answer to both questions is precisely the same. My psychologist, Dr. Steven Franklin (Ph.D., not medical doctor), has opined that the reason I act the way I do is because I am slightly neurotic. Did his diagnosis surprise me? Hell, I was not the least bit surprised. That little revelation, when he finally decided to share it with me, happened to be precisely what I had expected him to say. It was a lot like telling a person with sniffles, aches, and a sore throat that he/she has a cold. To be perfectly honest, I seriously doubt that it would come as much of a surprise to anyone who knows me very well. I know for a fact that neither my family nor my girlfriend would be shocked by this revelation, that is, if I ever decide to share it with them.