Necessary Nuisance

By

Gerry Niskern

She arrived about a few years ago. I was happy to have her, but apprehensive and unsure on how to deal with this new little thing. I was dismayed to learn that I had to carry the demanding scamp with me all the time!

You see, I had already banished her older, lazy, cumbersome siblings because they said she was all I would need.  She’s really smart too, they also assured me.  I really didn’t mind carrying her all the time, but I wish she could fit easily into my jeans pocket. When I had no pockets at all to put her in, it was especially annoying.

If she’s in my purse, I think she intentionally whispers so I won’t hear her, but if I’m in a quiet place, she shrieks at the top of her voice. She is also very stubborn and sensitive. If I barely touch her she will do exactly the opposite of the thing I’ve asked her to do.  Most frustrating of all is just when she is about to earn her keep and cough up some valuable information, she decides she is tired and needs to rest and recharge.

The truth is, it turns out she really is smart and I’ve been able to train her to my schedule. I will keep carrying her because now I couldn’t live without her!