You scold me for texting during dinner. You haven’t had a phone in over a year, you say. Your existence has been immeasurably improved, you say. I roll my eyes.
Mystery Underpants
Unmentionables
It takes me forever to pack up all my things. The chambermaid comes in to clean the bathroom. I sing old jazz songs as I pack, and she sings perfect harmonies. I find some underpants that are not mine under the bed, but I decide not to mention them.
Ratty Blue Coat
Ratty Blue Coat
You stop by my office, and spot a stack of coats we have ready for the donation box. After digging for a while, you find your ratty old blue coat at the bottom of the pile, and you ask me to give it back. I refuse.
Mudroom Aria
Mudroom Aria
A German farm family invites me in for a visit. I pull my bike into their living room, and we have tea. When it is time to leave, their young daughter sings an aria in the mudroom.
Bathhouse Sandwich
I visit the Men’s Bathhouse because they have an outdoor pool. I’ve forgotten my bathing suit and I can’t swim, so I sit down to eat my sandwich.