This one a major trigger for secondhand embarrassment... ouch XD
Entry 18
It's been a few days since that incident at the forge, and yes, I somehow managed to get back on my feet (shocking, I know). But that doesn't mean my troubles have ended…
When I went back into work today, guess who stopped by yet again (luckily, when I wasn't holding a heavy metal tool). And what did she say when she saw me back in the forge?
"Hey, glad you're okay. Be more careful in the future. Don't want you getting hurt again."
That is the most conversation Astrid has made with me since we were little and used to play together with all the other kids. And frankly… my brain kind of stopped working as a result. Which is probably how I ended up responding, "Oh, you know me… it- it'll happen again eventually," followed by a moment of silence as I realized what I'd just said. Astrid just looked at me, and I stood there like an absolute idiot as I tried to come up with something to cover that screw up. And what did my genius mind decide was an appropriate follow up? "I mean… I'm pretty good at making mistakes." Another pause, and another attempt of fixing it. "With metal. Not… not with people. I mean, kind of with people but… mostly with metal."
And that's when Astrid just kind of nodded and mumbled "Well, I hope you get better then…" before awkwardly walking away. And also when I officially decided that death is looking pretty good right now.
What in Midgard caused me to speak like that? I swear, I'm not THAT incompetent with conversation. But now I've made an absolute fool of myself in front of Astrid not once, but twice. And quite possibly insulted my intelligence in the process… gods, it's like I never learn. I really should just keep my mouth shut from now on. Don't need to embarrass myself any more than I already have…
I think I'm going to spend the rest of my shift in my workshop. If Gobber asks… I'll just say I have a headache or something. Which, honestly, feels like it might become a reality.
Until next time…
-H