All these voices. Have you ever wondered how it feels for a telepath to hear all those thoughts? As if it wasn't bad enough that I have to feel the emotions of others. I remember my seventh birthday party. At parties, everyone is supposed to have fun, right? At least I thought so. Well, one of the participants didn't. She had a terrible toothache. Oh, of course both her parents and mine were trying to shield her pain but unsuccessfully. I couldn't even taste my own birthday cake! She thought so loud none of us could concentrate on playing or eating and eventually everyone left early. Since then, it has only been getting worse. You see, every time I'm supposed to be happy, there's someone else whose bad feelings spoil everything for me. It feels like a dampening field. Or a cloud in the sky. You're exhilarated, you feel like the whole world has decided to give you a present and then. bang! Disappointment, anger, jealousy. you just pick one. I've had it all. Call it bad luck if you will. I consider it my curse. And it's not all. There are the thoughts as well. Ugly, nasty thoughts. I meet someone new. I usually try and meet new people with no preconceptions, no expectations, regardless their race. I walk up to them, smile and I'm ready to instantly like them. until I hear their thoughts. Oh no, not necessarily directed at me, though that happens, too. Some people are just uncomfortable around mind readers and their thoughts at the moment are. well, you're better off not knowing, believe me. Anyway, even if a person is not prejudiced against telepaths, there are often other people around. *Look at that butt!* *Boy, is he stupid!* *Why is she grinning so idiotically?* I'm sick and tired with hearing all that fuss! I just can't stand it anymore! What? Oh, of course I've been trained to block the thoughts! All Betazoids are, and from a very early age - otherwise we'd be a nation of freaks! No, it was fairly successful. You see, you can't just turn it off and on, no matter how well trained you are. Our brain just doesn't function like that. All you can do is learn to ignore it. At least, to some extent, that is. Are all people like that? Well, what do you think? Can you recall your own thoughts in a group of people? You're not answering, I guess you see what I mean. Oh, it's usually not that bad. Most people I've met are used to having a telepath around. However, sometimes. Well, unless you're specifically trained to do so, you're unable to shield your mind from a real telepath. Most people know that but they try nevertheless. That's just disgusting! Would you believe how many times I've heard thoughts like: *Go away!* *You're not here, you can't reach me!* What? Of course it's silly. And they know it, too. They just can't help themselves. Or they try not to think at all. It's even worse. Why? Because you can't help but focus on them. Oh, it's involuntary, just an instinct. Imagine you've been listening to some loud music for a while. Then, suddenly, the music stops and someone's whispering in your ear. See? You can't help but listen intently. No, they can't feel it. Non-telepaths are rarely that sensitive, although there have been some cases. I've never met anyone like that personally. Yes, there are other people, too. Equally unbearable. Why? Would you like it if you were forced to listen to somebody's entire life story whether you're in the mood or not? For some reason many people assume we're all counsellors. Just because we can read their minds, they think we have all the answers for them. *What do I do to make him notice me?* *Why doesn't she love me?* *My mother abandoned me when I was only six,* aghhhrr! They don't even consider we have lives of our own. I once tried talking to a person like that. I've listened to all he had to say, and think of course, and I started telling him about my problems. Wanna know what he did? And what do you think? He said goodbye and left! I never saw him again. What do you mean by 'normal' people? I've just described all kinds of normal people to you! The only ones that are okay with telepaths are other telepaths, believe me. Oh yes, of course. All these wonderful races we can't read! That's why I chose to be with you, my dear! Your mind is so absolutely, delightfully blank to me. I have no idea what you're feeling or even what you're thinking now. Would you care for a drink, honey? Or perhaps you'd like me to do oomax for you? Yes, yes, your lobes are just fascinating!
