Life, actually…

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BREAKING VIEWS

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This just in…

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I got views, you got views, all us chillun got views. Those of us approaching the edge of maturity are learning to keep shut our mouths. Who wants to hear an opposing view these days?

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But here are a couple of memories worthy of sharing, just because many of us experienced the same vicissitudes of life way back during the COVID years.

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“Hack! Ahem!” A nearby patron semi-muffles his lingering cough. The sound is so familiar. I recognize it each day as I confirm that this is one of those lingering after-symptoms of a formerly dreaded affliction.

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The post-COVID coughers sound alike to each other.

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The coughers’ coffers drain slowly as income decreases and lethargy endures.

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What is to become of the coughers and their coffers?

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In years to come will we have forgotten all this—moved on to the next crisis or distraction, or suddenly spy the elephant that was in the room all along?

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The coughing elephant.

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Are we so used to hearing these gargling sounds that we no longer notice them?

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Oh, well, it’s all part of the landscape now. On to the next peculiar tic that will insinuate itself into all the days we have left.

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Becoming accustomed to things we fear allows us to absorb, assimilate, and wend our way through all the duties and routines and funny moments that constitute the timeline.

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Best not to get too comfortable with the mostly harmful reality infractions around us. Pay attention to those breaking views, making sure the surly and dangerous ones don’t take over.

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Enough paranoia for one day?

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Now for something humanly hilarious. You can take it from here

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© 2026 A.D. by Jim Reed