Silence

To get the opening photo, zoom in on the detail:

A while back, I mentioned in another post that I’m the only one in the entire office with permanent remote work. That sparked a huge backlash from colleagues who didn’t get the same deal (I got it because my move abroad was unavoidable), though things have calmed down over time. I keep the lowest profile possible in emails and all communications, lock down my social media, and do everything I can to deliver on my job without drawing attention. I’m basically a corporate ghost.

Now I’ve had to come back temporarily to my hometown, and if my coworkers find out I’m around, it’ll inevitably reignite the flames. And of course, if I end up swinging by the office even briefly, once I wrap up my stuff here and head out again, my remote work exception will stir up trouble all over. Best case: nobody finds out.

I’ve shaved my head, grown a beard, switched up my wardrobe, wear a cap pulled low everywhere, and picked up some non-prescription glasses to round out the disguise. I also carry a cross-body bag that shifts my center of gravity and gait a bit with the weight, while hiding my build. The new persona is so spot-on that not even my neighbors have recognized me.

Still, I steer clear of crowded areas and key spots in the city, and today I wandered with my camera through rundown neighborhood streets that I figured would be empty at that hour. And they were: aside from a few critters that steer clear of people, it was a walk of pure silence and calm. I love this feeling.