I have a personal question to ask you. It's about getting ahead. With a career. At BIPC.

And I know I know, because it's personal, that means you'll go bolting in the other direction like you always do rather than attempt to answer...

But I'll give it a shot anyway.

I mean, I appreciate the fact that it's a casual environment. I like wearing jeans every day. But if it makes a difference, I can clean up well. I can look very professional if I want. You've seen me in a tux, haa ha haa.

What I want to know is... well... I notice that you wear a ring on your finger. And, well, do you think that makes a difference?

What ring?

Oh!

Where did it go? You used to wear a ring.
No.
Yes you did! And not that long ago! It was a wedding ring, and don't tell me I know what I saw.
I'm not wearing it now.
No, you aren't are you. Why did you stop wearing it?
Maybe I'll tell you sometime.
...Ok.
Maybe I'll tell you this weekend.
What's going on this weekend?
Haven't you been going to the classic movies downtown?
Yeah... Are you going?
Maybe.
...Ok.

Hello?
Hey B, this is HugShyHermit, your old landlord.
Oh hi, hi! How are you?
I'm ok, how are things? Still at the supermarket?
Oh I gave my notice. After ten years, I just started a new job. I got a one year contract.
Well that's good news, that's what you wanted. Well, the reason I'm ca...
How's the house?
Oh...it's doing fine. I haven't been working on it like I should, but little by little ha ha ha.
And your dog. How's your dog?
She's ok, she likes it here.
Did you ever take her to the park I told you about?
Yeah, once or twice. We go to WhiteTrash Park down the street. uhm... How are *you*?
Ha ha ha, WhiteTrash Park! Oh I'm fine, I'm moving again. Out to the country. Maybe in about three years I'll have enough money saved to buy a house.
That would be cool. And why I'm...
I have my own canoe now.
...You do, that's great. What about the one you had?
Oh, that was my uncle's. This one's smaller, a 14 foot, I got it from a place in Loudenville.
Yeah, well I wish I had been able to do some kayaking or something this summer, but here it is the end of August.
Ha ha ha, yeah, but maybe this fall.
Hey, I'm calling because you have a bill here. It looks like insurance.
I do? I better stop by and take a look.
I'll leave it under the front mat.
Ok. I'll leave you my cell number in case something comes up or like you want to hang out or something.
...Ok.

A quick note.

It was thirty years in the future. There I am, wearing suspenders and a bright blue vest, holding a colorful circular.

"Welcome to Wal-Mart," I chirp robotically. I'm desperate to catch the eyes of people, and fail. Only children see me and they look scared.

"Aren't you something!" I'll say to one golden child, "Are you going to have fun in Wal-Mart today?"
"Where's the detergent that was advertized on sale in today's paper?" demands her mother.
"That would be in Aisle 11," I respond, straightening up.
The child begins to screech as the woman steers her cart away.

I woke in a cold sweat.