are you
listening? mabel ninan | mabelninan.com
I plugged my ears with my headphones as I sat down for my manicure. I smiled at the aesthetician and gave her the purple nail color I had picked out for my nails. “Nice color.” She peered at my chipped nails through her glasses. Eager to tune in to my favorite podcast, I pressed play on my phone before entrusting my hand to my experienced aesthetician. The podcast hosts who were discussing creativity and productivity captured my interest. I paid little attention to the elderly woman until she began painting my nails. When she reached my second nail, she closed her eyes. Was she nodding off? Annoyed, I watched as the elderly lady painted and repainted my nails, struggling to stay awake. When she finished the manicure and started the pedicure, I unplugged my headphones. I began talking with the lady, hoping to keep her awake.
22. leadinghearts.com
