Who didn't fantasize about flying or being invisible? Who didn't want to show up those mean kids or that unforgiving teacher? I did, but I can't say that any of those came true. I fantasized about being a charming, confident and gracious Important Person, someone whose charisma and authority would fill the room the way thick clouds of scent surrounded my sister. I dreamed of being the one people would look to for The Right Answer or at least The Right Direction. I wanted to be the person who gave everyone confidence, who made everyone feel great just to be alive and in my presence. Everyone would naturally want my approval, and behind my back everyone would say what a great person I was, and how wonderful things happened when I was around.

School work would be easy, because I'd hardly have to open a book to have an insightful grasp of every topic. Even my father would smile on me and congratulate me on yet another fine report card. He'd want to come to all my sports events, where my teammates would always pass me the ball, and not just because I would be captain. I would just be able to play better than everyone else, and I'd make it look easy.

When I grew up, I wouldn't have to work hard, partly because all the adults I knew just showed up. Teachers didn't work, they just told us stuff and we had to go do all the homework. As far as I could fantasize about it, I would have to work even less than them, because everything would just flow to me.

Maybe I'd be President -- people paid attention to the President, and that didn't look like hard work either.

It hasn't happened yet. Sigh.