Inkwell 2018-2019

Becky walked to a bench between two of these trees and slumped herself deep into the worn wood. The starless sky was the roof of Becky’s cage and the skyscrapers, the bars. Thoughts swirled in Becky’s restless mind. She began to cry. Head down in hands, she wept over the life she wished for and the life she had. Becky had cried herself out. She sat in silence, thinking of many things. Her train of thought was broken by the sound of a distant whistle. A stumbling homeless man came down the path, whistling to himself. In normal cases this would have worried Beaky, and she would have moved away, but in her current state she didn’t have the heart for it. The man, smelling of booze and vomit, stumbled his way up to her and sat on the bench across from her. The pair sat with only the path separating them. He looked at Becky, and Becky looked at him. He mumbled something to himself then spoke. “What on earth caused a pretty girl like yourself to be so upset?” Becky was both disturbed and flattered by the man’s comment. She responded. “I am very confused.” “Why?” “I feel like I should be living a unique and interesting life, but I am not. My life is normal and boring.” “If it’s unique you want, you have found the right man. I live without regard to social norms or conventions. I live free of all worries and debts, and lucky for you I have been on the market for an apprentice to teach my wisdoms to.” “Thank you, but I can’t accept.” “Why? I offered you what you are looking for and you turn it down. ” “I have a job and responsibilities. I can’t just wander off with some hobo. Besides, you wouldn’t want to be constantly looking out for me.” “Nonsense, it would bear no burden on me. My tarp already sleeps two.” “I really can’t.” “You say you cry about your normal boring

life, but when pure individuality comes walking down your path, you let it walk on by. Today, I threw rocks at pigeons for six hours. If that is not unique, I don’t know what is.” They sat looking at one another for some time. Then the drunk man stood. “Goodbye pretty woman. I wish you the best of luck with your confusion.” He blew her a kiss and stumbled away. She sat and thought on this. Then, once she was content, she stood and walked down the path and back to the main streets. The streets where still busy, and the buildings were beautifully contrasted against the black night sky. When she got to the bar, her friends were still there. She walked past the full tables and sat in her spot. The blue drink sat in the same place she’d left it. She grabbed the glass by the stem and inhaled the candy flavored drink. Then she turned to her friends and gossiped about the day’s events.

Diego Centeno

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