The Guy Who Ruined My Meeting

I find my seat at the front of the room, early as usual. I have long-term sobriety and still regularly attend meetings, most often here at my home group. The speaker starts to share and I’m instantly hooked, connecting and identifying with the speaker’s story. I’m wholly absorbed, listening with rapt attention. And then Keith—new to the group—loudly shuffles in, late again, jostling past me in the crowded room, the oversized bag he’s dragging around hitting me in the head. By now the speaker’s spell is broken, and I’m furious with this inconsiderate guy who has once again ruined “my meeting.”