the box
by David Henson
Pick an area somewhere in your place. My box is in the bedroom, but yours doesn’t have to be because you can’t see it…Got it? Okay, now close your eyes and reach out. You’ll need to concentrate to feel a box that isn’t there, but you can do it. I find closing my eyes helps. Your box should be tall enough that you don’t have to duck. Run your hand down the side of your box. It might be rough or smooth. Mine’s smooth. I don’t know if it’s plastic or lacquered wood. Maybe you’ll be lucky and have cedar — texture plus that wonderful scent. Anyway, after you feel the side, trace your finger along the edge of your box, top to bottom. I have to bend down, but maybe you’re more limber. Trace the width of your box and step around it to feel its depth. Be careful because your eyes need to stay closed. When you’re back to where you started, feel around on the front of the box. You’ll find a knob or a handle. My box has a knob because I’m a bit old-fashioned. Open the door, step inside, and close the door. Take several deep breaths. You know the routine—in through the nose, out through the mouth. Do this as many times as you want. There’s no magic number. When you’re done, feel for your knob. Or handle. Open the door and step back out. I suggest you take another couple of deep breaths to prepare for the shock before opening your eyes. Ready? Open. See what’s changed? Nothing. At least not yet. But do this every day, and I promise, you’ll see things differently. How is up to you. You have to spend time in your box every…single…day. I stay in mine just five or 10 minutes after showering on workdays. Weekends? Maybe two or three times a day, 20-30 minutes each. Be careful. I’ve heard of people who eat in their box, curl up and sleep in it…almost never leave. Don’t let that happen. The box isn’t for living in. The box is for living out.
Photo of David Henson
BIO: David Henson and his wife reside in Illinois. His work has been nominated for multiple Pushcart Prizes and has appeared in various publications including Blood+Honey Lit, Best Microfictions 2025, Ghost Parachute, Moonpark Review, Maudlin House, and Literally Stories, His website is http://writings217.wordpress.com. His X handle is @annalou8.