[Public] Journal Entry: Simon Tam, 8/15/2012

[om_touchstone]

As it seems like introductions are the order of the day, for those of you not telepathic, my name is Simon Tam, currently in 101 West. I'm usually studying, but if it seems I'm not busy, then I'd be happy to say hello.

If it does look like I'm busy, I'd ask that you please respect my privacy.

I'm sixteen, and I don't pay much attention to music beyond what my sister both plays and sings around the house at home. I run in the morning, but I've never had the time for sports. I enjoy reading and I'm something of a history buff.

Comments

[om_anole]

Ok so you study and read a lot but what else do you do for fun? Can't be serious all the time, right?

[om_touchstone]

Reading IS fun.

[om_husk]

Definitely!

...and it's nice to meet you, Simon.

[om_touchstone]

It's good to know I'm not the only one.

... please don't tell me you smoke.

[om_husk]

What kind of books do you like to read? Mostly history?

No way. I'm not putting that junk into my body.

[om_touchstone]

History, mythology, philosophy, sociology, chemistry, biology, physics...

[om_husk]

Maybe we should agree now not to bicker over library books.

[om_touchstone]

I suppose we can come to some sort of agreement.

[om_diamondlil]

You just named everything I hate.

Bet you're a reeeal bucket of fun.

[om_anole]

Well yeah but meant what else other than reading.

[om_touchstone]

For the most part, I'm too busy for anything else.

[om_quicksilver]

You slowpokes literally never look busy to me, so, like, maybe you should get a sign or something.

Or just tell me to fuck off. But by then I'd have already interrupted your super important business. Rocks fall, everyone dies. Mass hysteria.

[om_touchstone]

Why would a sign help me, exactly? Do you read at superspeed too?

[om_quicksilver]

Well, it'd help you because that way I'd know not to bug you. "Simon is busy now, Pietro. Fuck off." Otherwise I'll probably think you look bored or boring no matter what you're up to.

Not saying I'll actually want to bug you, just more of a ridiculous hypothetical. Nevermind.

And yeah, I do. Favorite activity, actually. What kind of history are you into? I went on a colonial American binge a few weeks ago. That shit's intense.

[om_touchstone]

Well, irritating nose-butting aside, you're well read, at least. I actually grew up in Williamsburg, Virginia, so colonial history was probably one of the first things I began to pore through.

[om_quicksilver]

It's like I can't decide if you meant to be complimentary or condescending with the "you're well read, at least", so I'm just gonna ignore it. I am, though apparently this is a matter of some surprise to people. (Not you. Just people.)

That's awesome. I've never been to Williamsburg. That and Jamestown are on my list now, though. Anyhow we can nerd out about that sometime somewhere else. I'll spare you the details for the moment.

What's your party trick, anyhow? Are you a speed-reader, or just addicted?

[om_touchstone]

It's difficult to explain. I think it's a form of psychometry. I've taken to calling it biological psychometry. The reading is both incidental and instrumental to it, in different ways.

[om_quicksilver]

So, once I googled "psychometry" that actually made sense. About the reading being incidental and instrumental, I mean. So are we talking people, or, like, fish, birds, that kind of "biological"?

[om_touchstone]

People and animals.

[om_quicksilver]

Sweet, if I have a broken hamster or something, I know who to talk to.

[om_elixir]

So you just study? That's it?

[om_touchstone]

I'm focused, what can I say?

[om_elixir]

What do you do for a social life, though?

[om_touchstone]

I'll have a social life once I'm a successful doctor. For now, it's just a distraction.

[om_elixir]

By then you might be a hermit or a headcase, though!

[om_touchstone]

From what I can tell, half the people here are already one or the other.

[om_elixir]

Looking to add to the population then?

[om_touchstone]

That's not exactly the plan...

[om_elixir]

Right right becoming a doctor.

Say, I wonder what all this mutation stuff means for doctors. I bet I could put guys like that out of business if the prof let me!

[om_touchstone]

Put them out of business... and get yourself killed, maybe. Don't get me wrong. Your ability is amazing, and you'd probably do really well within a certain cult of people who desperately need help, but I doubt the general population will be receptive to mutant doctors.

[om_elixir]

Yet. Keyword's yet. You've gotta have some faith! I know I'm not going to be stuck in this place forever and hiding like some chump.

[om_touchstone]

That's a refreshing viewpoint, especially considering what I read about your appearance.

[om_elixir]

I hope you're not being sarcastic about that.

[om_touchstone]

...sure, let's go with that.

[om_elixir]

I'm not staying here forever because I look like this. There's no way.

[om_magma]

Reading is most enjoyable. There is so much world history that I was not taught; it seems never ending but still a pleasure to learn.

[om_touchstone]

If you ever need anything more than what's in the library, I have a slew of history books in my room too that you could borrow.

[om_magma]

Really? I'm honored you would share your knowledge with me, classmate.