[i]
☼ ○ ▬
I've been drafted into a military force representing the country. A foreign counter-force is lined up to attack the city. It's in the near future. We're using these floating transporters to press forward in between skyscrapers. I scramble to attach time bombs to select balconies that way when the enemy comes by it surprises them. There's just not enough time. They're already pushing through the front lines. I decrease altitude as fast as I can and dip into the building on the first floor where a mall is located. It's almost like a video game now. I'm safe under this particular awning but as the enemy hovers over the building I'm supposed to aim my hands and shoot invisible photons at their ships. But for some reason I've ran out of juice. The photo energy has no punch. It does nothing. I wait until the coast is clear then climb up and join the chaos of people. It's understood the foreign enemy has seized the city by now. But there's a small bunch of people that are piling into train cars in preparation to escape. I'm wearing a hoodie jacket that covers up my military uniform. I hop into the last crowded car. But the enemy's troops are searching each car and discover who I am. They take me into custody. I finally get a close up view of who these infamous foreigners are. Their skin color is dark and brown, almost like a Somolian.
I ask one of them, "Where are you guys from anyway?"
With a gun in hand he grins with pride and answers, "The Baltic."
▬ ○ ☼
Alarm goes off at 11:04 a.m.
Blueberry Bagel with Cream Cheese. Orange Juice.
All day shift at China Wok.
Every week or so I like to send Ana a text reminder, "Hey. I still like you a whole lot."
She replies, "I STILL like you a lot tooooooo! I don't have any complaints about your personality. You're always oh so sweet to me, and I obviously find it hard to let go whenever I have to leave.. Like in the morning when I go to work or whenever i have to go. Thank you for sharing your food with me last night bytheway. I can't remember if I said thank you, so I want to make sure I did! If I ever change my feelings( which I honestly don't see myself doing because I already like you and when I decide I like something or someone then I don't really change my mind about it.)I would tell you! But you know this! It is nice to get reassurance though."
It's one of those days where you jet off to deliver an order and when you return another order is ready. And so the ballad goes on all day, one order at a time. It's a trick that makes you think it's a busy day when in actuality I'm just driving more and not reaping the great tip benefits I usually would.
God, and this sun is killing me. I hide in despair under the checkered towel while I drive to avoid sunburn.
Night falls.
While delivering to Suhtai Court for the fourth time I discover the Pizza Hut delivery man is here. I see him all the time on the road as I'm sure he notices me too. We've never had a conversation. Having a little delivery-camaraderie. He complains about the dangerous potholes in this neighborhood that we always have to avoid. As I walk off to deliver my order he comments, "Hopefully you don't encounter an entitlement mentality."
Off work and home.
Fried Chicken with Broccoli, Onions, Carrots, and Rice in Garlic Sauce.
Watching The Gift (2000).
I take a peek in Kelley's bedroom to find a small crowd of people throwing a RAGER. I hang out for a few minutes with the camera and snap some photos.
Taking a bike ride into the beautiful night – picking up some cereal and milk.
A little pep-talk/pow-wow with Kevin in his room.
Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
Sleep 4 a.m.
[i] All images by me.
