Tue, 13 Sep 2005
Flashback
Something I wrote in an email on February 2, 2005, while I was working in San Francisco:
I don't think I mentioned it... On Monday night as I was walking down Hyde Street on my way to pay for my February parking, I noticed a woman on her hands and knees peering into the gutter alongside a parked car. She appeared to be looking for something she had dropped.
Like the good Boy Scout I am, I not only had my multi-tool with flashlight on my belt, but I asked her if she needed some light to help her find what she'd lost.
She mumbled something affirmative-sounding; so as I fumbled to pull the light out of its pouch, she continued looking.
About then, a second woman walked up - seemingly acquainted with the first woman. She immediately marveled that I had a flashlight (and was willing to help).
Then she asked me if I was "just hanging out or what?" Innocuous enough words... But her look and inflection said something completely different.
This is why I avoid interacting with my neighbors ;-)
"No," I said, "I'm running an errand."
"Oh. Okay" she said, as though I'd just told her her pet Gerbil had been hit by a car.
In the end, we never did find whatever item had dropped. I dread to think of what it may have really been...
posted at: 21:30 | permanent link to this entryMarc Elliot Hall St. Peters, Missouri
Page created: 21 January 2002
Page modified: 14 November 2006
