- for a day in which we are only allowed to talk to strangers, and are not allowed to acknowledge anyone known to us.

At work, I have a question. It drives me from my desk, out of the office, down the corridor, onto different floors and into new departments, to find a new and unknown person.

Hello, I say, my name is Tessa, I don’t think I know you, you’re a stranger to me, can we talk?

Yes, she says, of course. My name is Isabel.

I explain I need to ask my supervisor a question, and would she mind ducking into my office to find out the answer? She’s delighted to have an invitation to go wandering, and does so. These offices are all same same, but different. We chat about the people we’ve intruded upon today in the elevator. She gets me my answer.

It’s a shame, I say, now I know you, I guess I can’t talk to you any more.

It is a shame, she agrees, come say hello tomorrow.

A date, I promise.

Out of work, I have no need to speak, and I wander the streets, bemused by the people here and there who are desperate for dialogue. Some take to this day like mice to cheese, making friends with the whole street, any one who passes close enough to be in ‘hello’ range.

There are people paralysed by these conversations. They walk with their heads down, shoulders hunched, and smile nervously at anyone who approaches them, not quite keeping stress-induced tears from their eyes.

There are people who can't keep from unburdening all their secrets. They talk, and talk, and can't stop themselves from revealing everything.

Not many people seem to be listening.

This is a silly day, the man waiting at the lights says, what need have I to say anything to strangers?
I don’t say much to those I know, I say.
Why is that?
I shrug.
How old are you? You’re too young to be jaded. Someone your age, you’re probably out ‘raging’ every night.
I’m old enough to be jaded.
You don’t look like you’re out of school yet.
I’m 26. With a degree. And honours.
Huh, he sniffs, you’re still young. When you get to be my age, well then you'll have some experience of the world.
Experience doesn't necessarily come with age.
You're still young, he repeats.
All this talk, everywhere, all around me is wearing me out, and I walk away.
Hey, he says. It’s okay.

There is no one at home.

I walk into the bathroom and look in the mirror.

Hello, I say,
My name is Tessa
I don’t think I know you
You’re a stranger to me
Can we talk?