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Show Fair Forever 135 The old man's door is open. I peek inside. The room is small but nice, much like a hotel. A single bed centers the wall, flanked by a side-table and lamp. The opposite wall holds a small fireplace, unlit, and a desk with a simple chair. I spy the old man sitting on his patio, looking over the bay. His outside door is open and lean feel the sea breeze blowing through the room. "Anyone, home?" I holler, rapping on the doorpost. The old guy doesn't hear so I walk through the room, stopping at the open patio door. I tap and he turns. "Time for more pills?" he asks, his voice tired, his eyes vacant. I step outside, stand directly in front: "No pills," I answer." His eyes remain vacant. He doesn't recognize me. We should be in our boats, floating in the channel, with him carving under Beacon 9. "I'm Bradley, Amanda's friend. My skiff is Fair Forever." I wait for his response. His eyes suddenly clear and he says, "Bradley, of the Amazing Bladder!" He chuckles then, still tickled by that phrase. "What took yOu so long?" I relax. Take in a breath. "It's a long walk from school." He thinks about my answer. "How is school? Getting adjusted." "Not great," I answer. I won't tell him about Katie or about my dumb phone, I look over the bay. "Nice view!" "It is," he agrees. He's wearing a tan windbreaker and his old, floppy hat. In the shade, the breeze feels cool and fresh. "How do you like the place?" I ask. |