The Outsider

On the stage, light fades in. He is holding the mic and doing stand-up. No one is laughing but him. And what even more pathetic is, actually, probably, no one here understands English but him. However, he doesn’t give it a damn. He takes another sip of beer and carries on. “The joke. Oh, where was I? Right, family issue.” He looks at the audience, and the audience give him draining eyes like they’re falling asleep, but this is even a Saturday night.

At the moment, he can’t help wondering, how did he end up like this? This, like being a total joke. Life should be sunny and wonderful after he left America. America, the land of bitterness. He recalls when he stepped out the gate, he really thought his miserable life would be ended. Taiwan, Formosa! Before he came he assumed this is a sunny island, just like Kwan, beautiful beaches and bikini girls. But once again, life betrayed on him, just like many others before. After the first week staying in Taipei, he found out it rains like hell. Hot, humid and stuffy hell.

But he got no choices, the life has to go on, so as the show.

He takes a deep breath in and continues, “I know I can never compete with my brother. After all, my brother, he is a lawyer, making big money and working in the building. As to me, being an English teacher. Making small wages and has achieved nothing in my life. How can I defeat him? I mean, I got no chances. Everything is settled before our births. He can defeat me even when we’re sperm, with his giant tail and sweep me away.” He makes an exaggerative face, as if trying to convince the audience this is a joke. But sadly, no. People drinks like he doesn’t exist.

The stand-up is finished and he takes a bow. But no one notices that the show is over.  “Fuck it.” he thinks, “What do you guys know about humor?” He gives up, put the mic back and turns his back on. Heading toward the bar and looking for some alcohol. Suddenly, he falls. He looks down, and finds out he is trapped by the wires.

 “Ouch!” he cries out and swears. All of the sudden, people burst out laughing. Harder he tries to stand up, harder people laugh. Finally, he gives up and twines by wires, looks like a pity clown.

At the moment, he realizes that he is the biggest joke that he’s ever made. Slowly, he feels water in his eyes, and is still being trapped. “What a perfect metaphor.” He thinks, “Now I’m literally stuck in here.”