Fear

It is easy to recognize someone who is afraid of silence. They are the ones who talk so much they don't seem to require oxygen. What comes out is an unending stream of disconnected thought-vomit. 

The timbre of this lady's voice is like nails on the chalkboard, and she has been at it non-stop since we were waiting on the platform, and for the last six stops. I know about her work and a crazy coworker. 

"And I says to her.."

Thankfully I remembered my headphones, now all I see is her mouth moving and hands flailing.