The First Time

The first time is always awkward. Both parties have different expectations. Neither knows what to put where and what comes next. Halfway through, both cannot wait for the end.

In the end, some are honest enough to tell the other party how awful it was. Once is enough to confirm what they felt, to turn them away for good. Others are more polite; they recognize the effort, try to be understanding, but silently hope they never see one another again.

As always, reality is somewhere in between.

For Dinner...

Pilkie's Makin' music. He is spinning a lush combination of drums, bass and harmoniums. With headphones on, he looks more like Moby. Over the music he delivers a monolog about the id and how it's proper management can lead to happiness.

Dear Lana. She is drinking Pepsi without any idea of how ironic it is. It spills on her dress and she is blushing because the stain looks naughty.

Ricky is Ricky. He was sulking because he had to put trousers on but now he is cackling uncontrollably at the sight of the stain.

The God That Failed

162 people have vanished into thin air. Why them? Why now? Their relatives hold on to hope  as best they can. It is cruel, unfair and troubling.

She smiles and gives them several kisses. They both wish they could give her finger and a hand.

Do not be thankful for what we have - what do we actually do to deserve that luck? Do not try to pity the less fortunate - let their strength in adversity inspire us.

Left Hand Free

8 years ago he came to the shop alone to buy a watch. Now there are three of them, and they arrive just as the shutters are being closed. The elderly lady smiles and lets them in. The elderly gentleman comes out of the back room to see what is going on. He still has his eye glass on. He turns to the old tube tv above the entrance, where Prime Minister Business is encouraging citizens to write books and to sit down and discuss them. He claims this is not possible with movies.

The lady takes a look at his far-travelled watch and informs him that a new strap cannot be fixed on. The catch for the pins has been broken. What a shame. The watch is still running fine. He looks around the shop and sees the same watch that he bought 8 years ago. He buys this same watch, at the same price that he paid then. What value!

It is a joyous and peaceful weekend to celebrate. Here's to another memorable, unpredictable and irreplaceable 8 years :-)

Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll

The passenger looks tired to him; just about ready to sleep for a hundred years. Just as the car is about to move off, he checks that he would be able to pay by NETS.

The driver says he's sorry but that won't be possible. He doesn't have the device on board. Having been turned down by several earlier cabbies who were "changing shift", the passenger is determined to show this guy who is boss.

"Then stop by at an ATM and I shall withdraw the money for you."

The driver says that he'd rather not as he is in a bit of a hurry.

"That's illogical. Our journey itself will take 30 to 35 minutes. Are you telling me that you cannot spare a 2% increase of that time?"

The passenger sits and waits while the driver repeatedly suggests he take the next cab. The driver is pleading now but still polite and patient. Finally the passenger gets out and slams the door behind him.

The driver is relieved. The new fare is reasonable and will not be using NETS. He drives them to their destination in  silence, following which he heads home.

As he turns the key he calls to her.

"Sorry I'm late honey. A chimp got into my cab and I had to kick it out."

There is no reply from within.

All A Dream

He is desperate to be part of the new regime. He wants to fit into a team that is bigger than the sum of individuals. 

"Press on this guy so that the ball goes to him and then press from this angle so he plays that pass and then intercept it!"

"You can still influence the game even though the opposition has the ball on the opposite side of the field."

"You want to play no. 6? Prove it to me. Have a strong base! Be ready for the ball!"

"Yes King Louis. I can do this. Give me a chance."

Despite his intense desire to impress, once again he can hardly lift his legs to walk. It is a paralyzing feeling. Only his mind is willing.

Stars

He strides through the customs towards the luggage belt, consciously uncoupled. He could use a nice fancy coffee but one look at the queue and he decides it can wait. At the tail end of the queue is a middle-aged blonde. She has a deep tan on her leathery skin. The pilot in front of her is telling her what sacrifices he makes for his job. They are clearly flirting. Just as he walks past the two of them, a wise guy starts singing, "oh oh oh.. I dream of paradise.. Oh oh oh.."

He sits facing the beach. He closes his eyes and takes in the smells. Then he opens his eyes to take in the sights. From the corner of his eye he spots a gang banger staring straight at him. A vein on his tattooed head is throbbing. "I thought it was real yo. Now look where I am. In rehab. You happy now?"

He starts fumbling in his pockets as the fan approaches. He avoids eye contact while searching for a phone that is not ringing. Got it, but the fan seems undeterred. The phone is at his ear now, as he begins conversing with no one. He turns his back to the rapidly approaching fan, who is now right beside him. He feels a tap on his shoulder. With a roll of his eyes he starts to explain that it is an important call. The fan informs him of his open fly and continues on his way.