break, so even though it’s very late, a lot of
people flow along the main avenues. Strangers.
They’re strangers, but I don’t care. I want to be
among them. Flow with them. Bodies. Faces.
Most from any place but here. I like looking
at the faces. All races. Expressions. Joyful (winners).
Hateful (losers). Confused (users). Suddenly
a single face falls into focus. Familiar. Loved.
“Chase!” I run toward him, parting the crowd.
He sees me. Smiles. Frowns. Half-waves.
I see now he’s walking with someone. Holding her
hand. She’s prettier than me. And she’s pregnant.
What Do I Do Now?
I want to turn. Flee.
Act cowardly. But we’re
practically touching.
[Play the game.] “Hey,
Chase. Long time, no see.”
He drops the girl’s hand,
dares to reach out and hug
me. God, it’s good to see
you. He backs away. Oh,
this is my wife, Amanda.
Wife? Yep. Matching
gold bands. [Don’t you
dare cry. Suck it up.]
“Hi, Amanda. I’m Kristina.
Chase and I…are friends.”
Amanda tosses her long
blond hair. Smiles. Good