“In Pursuit of Magic”
Just another day at work, but not really. Mon stopped by and we ate lunch in the park. She pointed out how it “smelled like dirt”, and I realized what a rarity that is in this concrete city so predominately permeated by the scent of pot and urine and fog. As we were about to leave I fell a little bit in love with three furry shih tzus that were eager to run into our laps and have us pet their bellies. They felt and smelled so much like Jelly after we took him to the groomers it made my heart ache. I miss my dog; my dog no matter where he is. I gave Mon a short tour of the building: the fourth floor with its big, glass windows; the polaroid photo wall of employees; my desk with all its reminders of friends and faraway places. I thought back to the first time I came to interview. Strange to think that was nearly a year ago. Got dinner with Yafine after work, where I proceeded to make a mess of my food while he neatly ate his. It was lovely to see him not only because he is such a calming presence, but also because I could see we were both at such good places in our lives. It was nice to speak to someone who can understand the benefits and drawbacks of being a young adult in this crazy city. Nice to learn about subcultures and nice to find a fellow friend seeking passion and maybe just a few misadventures sure to make a great story down the road. Bought a few things at Target, and I bonded with my cashier over our similar taste in English muffin toppings. Despite the brevity of such moments, I find comfort in these interactions. They are reminders that friendship may not be so hard to find in this city of strangers.
