[i]
Waking up at 11 a.m.
Blueberry Bagel with Non-Dairy Cream Cheese. Orange Juice.
All day shift at China Wok.
Five Guys French Fries with Ketchup. Honey Green Tea.
Afternoon work is slow.
It’s hot as all get out. But every other hour or so it pours down rain.
On the down time I read Craig Thompson’s latest graphic novel Habibi. I’m just in awe at how carefully crafted it’s drawn and written.
On the way back to the restaurant after taking a delivery I stop at a red light. Next to me are two peppy girls in glasses. They seem amused with me. I just nod my head in acknowledgment.
The black one rolls down the window and comments, “You’re too cool to be biting your nails.”
I respond, “Oh. I’m not really biting my nails. It’s just a nervous habit.”
She smiles and in that second I notice she’s kind of pretty. Just then she blurts out, “You’re cute!”
I smile and react, “Oh.” In my mind my face turned red but I don’t think it actually did.
Her: “There’s a smile!”
The light flashes green.
Her: “Hey. Stay awesome!”
In the evening business picks up.
Apple.
Delivering an order in Linkhorn Bay apartments, my most frequented delivery stomping grounds. It’s been drizzling outside. The customer signs his credit receipt. As I walk off he says, “Stay dry.”
Without hesitation I respond with, “I’ll try.”
Humored by the unplanned rhyme.
Mesquite Almonds. Dried Apricots.
Delivering another order in Linkhorn Bay apartments. I knock on the door multiple times. No answer. But I hear a dog yapping. I call the customer. He answers the second time. Finally opening the door. He seems flustered and as if he was taking a nap. But I soon realize he’s just inebriated.
Inebriated guy: “I used to [hiccup] be a delivery driver...back in the... early 90’s, wait...”
[Pause]
Inebriated guy: “The late 80’s. Yup. So I know what it’s like.”
He slowly hands me three bucks for a tip.
Back home after over eleven hours of work.
Hot and Sour Soup with Broccoli, Carrots, and Rice. Kinder Chocolate.
I’m exhausted and I’ve got a big day tomorrow.
Sleep 2:30 a.m.
[i] Helen Jo.
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