Breathe

Again on the 33... this time to pick up a paycheck so I can take care of the bills this weekend. Been working some over the last few weeks -- not enough, but some, and now every little bit helps. If I can play this right I'll be able to make the student loan payments for December and January without too much trouble. If not, well...

Someone's scratched NIGHT into the plexiglass wall of the stop. Identifier or observation?

There's a young woman on the bus, mid-twenties maybe. Two small girls. Hard-voiced, impatient. I'm afraid of becoming her.

At the stop I talked for a moment with a young tough: down jacket, backpack, sandy 3-day beard, cigarette, energy drink. "Three-day weekend, man." Two nights to party, two days to recover. But housekeeping tonight: hasn't done the dishes in two weeks. Dishes and laundry between work. Another guy trying to make it through.

The youngest child is screaming now. Bright purple coat with white faux fur trim around the hood. Lavender leggings, those tiny white kid shoes.

I'm going to pick up my paycheck, and I'm afraid.

...

onehundred twentytwo dollars and ninetyfive cents. some.