12-23-00

method: xylene transfer, alphabet stamps by Hero Arts

Sometimes, in the middle of the day, there's a band that plays at the Java Books Cafe across the parking lot from the store. If it's warm, the heat radiating from the asphalt makes the sounds otherworldly and distorted.

During my breaks, I'll sit outside, leaning against the concrete like a reptile, basking. It calms me, centers me. After dealing with people and employees for so long, it's nice to have my life back for fifteen minutes.

Christmas is coming. Carols warp in the reflected blacktop waves.

This is where I need to be, I tell myself. Right here. Right now.