“Hold fast, then, to this sound and wholesome rule of life-that you indulge the body only so far as is needful for good health.” Seneca

The guys gathered around Doug,
Each offering support.

“Come on, fella, you’re alright.”
“No worries, man, you haven’t been drinking.”
“Take your time, no rush.”

Strangely, Doug could hear them all
As if he had never had a bomb take sound away.

The noise was gone.
The words were distinguishable.
The women chatting were expressing concern for Doug’s safety.

He heard it all.
Something inside his head had been reset.

Unexplainable.
Impossible.
Deeply gratifying.

Doug smiled and thanked everyone for their support.
The night went on with his flummoxed look and Doug leaning into the table.