Friday the 13th and Octoberfest--a combo. I chaffed at the bit all day at the factory, and so when my boss went to a two hour meeting at 2:30, I waited a bit before I cut and run. I was staying in Grit City that night, and I had cameras. I was ready to go try my luck at being a photographer again.
An hour or so into it, I had a couple snapshots of poles and draincaps. I was off. I didn't have it any more. I was sweating in the southern heat and humidity. Ili called. She would be coming soon. I told her that I thought I would stop and get a beer at a little craft beer place. O.K. She would meet me. I walked in to order feeling clumsy and awkward. I bumped into a pole. I felt all the tall, bearded hipsters give an unnoticeable smirk. The old fuck is killing the vibe.
I took my beer and sat outside away from the crowd so that I could look over the street. Everywhere people were setting up booths for Octoberfest. I felt puffy. I took out my phone and began texting myself a sorry missive about how I was no longer able to make pictures, wondering why.
In a bit, Ili showed up. I got her a gin and tonic. Double. I was worried since it was the 13th and all. I told her about my inabilities. She succored me. Then the owner of the bar came out and commented on the cameras. Ili took a couple pictures of him. And while we were talking, a family with a crazy little girl walked by. Ili paused, then in a second she jumped up and ran after them.
Ili's got the bug. Now all she has to do is learn how to use a camera. She'll be able to take over all of mine. Me? I need to live with my cameras 24/7 again until they seem part of my hand and not a live grenade that I'm holding.
Now it is Saturday and time for a walk around Grit City. It is just an exercise at this point, I guess. But I'm sure Ili will take some pictures.
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