Joy Thieves Inc. — Stealing Hearts and Breaking Moments
We are easily pessimistic but rarely flush with anticipation for joy and goodness. Why?
When I was young my grandparents bought me this super dope Lego set for Christmas.
I had been asking for it relentlessly for several months and pestered my parents until I’m sure they were about ready to “accidentally” run me over in our driveway and combat the ensuing manslaughter charge with an insanity plea resulting from my nuisance. Based on what little I can remember of my obnoxious behavior, I’m convinced no jury in the world would have convicted them.
When Christmas morning arrived, I tore through my gifts like a honey badger on a Winnie The Pooh set, and in the blink of an eye my grandparents had become my saviors and ended my intense suffering. At last, Spyrius was mine and mine alone. After the pomp and circumstance faded and my parents began lounging in front of our old, dial-laden television I began constructing the newest addition to my fantasy space law enforcement collection. Putting that robot together was pure bliss — the literal opposite of stepping on a Lego.
After I finished popping on the neon antenna which doubled as a lethal choking hazard, I admired my handiwork and stared at it to take in all its majesty…
