Monday, May 23, 2016

Day 107 - That Thing

     "What in the hell is that thing on your face?" V asked with a combination of surprise and confusion.  I had let the hibernation beard grow out of control.  Shaving just wasn't a part of the equation this year.
     The events that led to this last hibernation had left me numb.  No matter how hard I tried to dial things back I couldn't.  No matter how close I came to a total reset of mindset the final piece wouldn't click into place.
     This year the hibernation seemed like a Sisyphean task.
     "Oh Hey!  It's the hibernation beard."
     "Wow!  I've seen you with a five o'clock shadow before but this..." Her voice trailed off a bit.  "I have to admit you kind of look like a bad ass."
     Every once in a while it happens.  The line is just long enough for me to get caught talking to someone.  Usually I can time it just right.  I run in.  I grab what I need and go.  Even though I look like a 'bad ass' I must look like a nice bad ass because ocassionally random people will just start a conversation.
     Sometimes it's about how long the line is.  Sometimes it's about how the person in front of us MUST be paying in pennies because 'no transaction on earth takes this long!'. Sometimes it's about the weather.
     Normally I will say I forgot my wallet in my car and go on a short walk until the line dissipates.  Unfortunately this was my second go round.  I had already gone on my walk and the store was closing in ten minutes.  More important, I was out of wine.
     She knew me from work.  We worked together for a few years but then she got an offer at a different company making different money.
     "Thank you.  I think?"  The question hung in the air for a second.
     "No, no, no.  It's a good thing.  I've also never seen you in jeans before."
     "Sir," I heard the cashier say.  My heart sang.  As much as I do like seeing people I like sometimes I just want to get in the store and get out.  "I'll be right with you," she said running to the back of the store.  My heart sank.
     "So how's the new job?" I asked, genuinely curious.
     "It's different.  Different pay structure.  Different environment.  I went from being one of the oldest people in the office to being just one of the crowd."
     We heard a flurry of sneezes from the back of the store intermixed with a few "Oh My Gods".  This commotion was followed by a long coughing fit.  V and I just looked at each other moderately concerned.
     "I'm sorry," said the red faced cashier as she returned.  "It's my allergies."  She put her right wrist to her nose and fanned herself with her left hand.
     "Bless you," we both said at the same time.
     "Talk to you after hibernation," I said after I checked out and headed for the door.
     "Here's my card.  I know it's been kind of a rough year for you.  We're always looking for good people.  If you want to get a clean start I'll put in a good word for you."
     "Thank you," I said slipping her card into the good pocket.  "I'll keep you in mind."
     "You might have to shave that thing on your face for the interview but other than that I think you'd be a perfect fit."  We laughed a little then she disappeared into the darkness.
     As much as I needed a change I also needed to find the weakness in the armor and watch it spread.  I had a plan and shaving just wasn't part of the equation this year.

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