A Picture Says a (few) Thousand Words

 Perhaps what is most captivating about Kalman's book is the implication of her illustrations, rather than the illustrations or pictures themselves. In prompting a discussion about "Love and Loss", "Childhood", "Aging", etc. , Kalman invites the reader to attribute the images to more personal narratives, which in turn brings to light that relatability clause of humor we have been talking about. While the story or plot, by nature, is autobiographical and built off reflection, the major themes offer a certain democracy to them, which allows for the participation of all  readers. 

I think humans have been communicating complexities via images for a long time. You can think of cave drawings for a more primitive example, or an Instagram post to represent modernity. What an image most often lacks, however, is a direct translation. Everyone may physically see the same thing, but not everyone sees  the same, as it were: is the sky blue? 

Yesterday I learned about Jayden's anxiety, which he claims is a result of the Pandemic. Though he got to see his brother over Easter, he has really been keeping to himself and his XBOX. While some friends have opted for in-person instruction, he has not. While some friends frequent the public basketball courts or baseball fields, he has not.  He is bothered, admittedly, by the power of the mask; both its effectiveness and presentation. 

In terms of the Pandemic, the mask has a very practical usage and for many is a provider of safety in the context of daily life. But 13 y/os want to play ball, be free, hustle, and did I mention his friends are 13? They don't really wear masks, unless when absolutely necessary. Jayden is bothered by this, as he thinks it's a blatant disregard for his own safety. In fact, he recounted to me that while his friends were eating at a table, not wearing masks, he sat at a different one, alone, mask firmly pressed on the ridge of his nose and the point of his chin (though I've still yet to see his face). 

I think too, that a mask's presentation also bothers Jayden. I think he truly longs to see the faces of people, and when he goes outside, the world, for this intention, is covered up, and those who do not, in his eyes, are tainted by irresponsibility. The combination of the two mask-phenomenons contribute to his anxiety, for him it all goes back to the mask, and both the security and seclusion it has provided people during the Pandemic. The reason why I think that I've never seen his face: he's not ready for that new image of himself, without his mask.