Gary muttered ‘I am capable’ during the meeting, fingers drumming like a drum solo. His team traded glances as he escalated. ‘I am brilliant!’ he bellowed, knocking over a water glass. The room froze. ‘I AM A POSITIVE FORCE OF NATURE!’ He flung his arms wide, sending a paper airplane into the ceiling fan. Silence. Then, a single clap. Gary grinned, unbothered. Later, he told his dog, ‘You’re a good boy!’ The dog barked. ‘See?’ Gary said. ‘Affirmations work!’ The dog sneezed. Gary laughed. ‘Even better.’
