How Are You?

It was a simple question, but it was lingering in the air as I read it.

A simple question, but I was stumped for an answer.

Maybe it’s because I’m English.
Maybe it’s because I ask the question almost all the time at work.
Perhaps customers ask me at work.. And I know how many I them are really interested in my answer.
Maybe it’s because, even when its people who (I know) really care about me ask, the busyness of life means the subject is moved on quickly enough.
Maybe it’s because i’ve known him for years.
Perhaps its just all those nights at the pub.
Or maybe it’s because I know I can’t fool him…

He simply asked;

How are you?

I wanted to say, “same as normal”… But how is that?