This is the product of happens when I let my mind wander

Struggling though the mid-day traffic jam after a long drudging day at work waiting at a red light I look out my window and see a man with a jack-o-lantern smile jaunting down the sidewalk. I can’t say why he caught my attention; perhaps it was a mix boredom and frustration on my part. The joyful expression was so intense it was literally like staring into the eyes of a carved pumpkin, eerie yet genuine and completely unwavering. Then I noticed him having a conversation with himself, or rather with someone or something that was not there, at least not in the physical sense. Now, I’ve only known one schizophrenic, (a late night regular at the coffeehouse I worked in) and though he was nice enough I always sensed a veil of intense sadness lying just below the surface. This is how I imagined all schizophrenic to be; in a constant battle with what is real and what is surreal. This man I envisioned was the exception to the rule, completely happy living in his blissful world of ignorance. Maybe I thought, he believes himself to be returning home from some great victory. After all, his chest what puffed out and his smile did have the appearance of pride. By this time the light has turned green, and my mind is now engorged, racing with thoughts of this mans imaginary life. Believe it or not this is not the first time my imagination has spiraled out of control. Then I thought, what it would be like if I was struck with the same affliction. Reality sunk in, and I was suddenly grateful I live here and in this moment.