I'm Adelimo and this is The Slowdown.

I have been known for what people call inappropriate laughter.

If I'm told not to laugh, if I'm told something is sullen, somber, I am bound to be the person

that cracks a joke, that tries to hide a devious smile when the serious teacher or tour guide

is passing by.

Is this a bit immature?

Sure.

Is it a coping mechanism?

Absolutely.

The truth is, I'm also prone to tears.

At any moment, I could be crying.

I can break into tears at the slightest kindness or the minor moment of sorrow.

My best friend, who is a playwright, used to strategically place me in front of the theater

reviewer from The New York Times during her productions, because I carried in me all

the big feelings at once.

I laugh hard, I cry hard.

I give this play five stars.

So should you.

I remember once in college getting in trouble with my friend Thea as we were canoeing in

the wetlands of Lake Washington.

I can't even remember what was so funny, but I couldn't stop laughing, which meant I couldn't

steer the canoe, and we ended up stuck in the shallow reeds, which made me laugh harder.

...