dumbstruck

It was after hours, about 730pm. Still in the building. Heading outside to get some fresh air.

Met the head of the school of physics in the corridor.

Must remember next time not to froze in your tracks and say something polite.

"Hi Micheal."

"How are you today? A bit chilly outside eh? I heard the commonwealth will be raising interest rates soon."

"How are you sleeping? Good?"

"I heard a funny story today about the difference between peanut butter and jam, do you have a minute to hear it?"

I could have said those things but instead, I stood affixed to my spot with mouth agape. My facility for polite pleasantries seems to decide that at that precise moment it is going to go visit Penang and no force in the world could ever stop it. Not even the head of the school.

I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to everyone for my minor indiscretion. I have truly let you all down. This won't happen again, I promise. Next time, I would hide behind something large enough whenever I see him coming. Like the broom cupboard. Or the server room. Or the photocopier room.