changing.

It’s September, which means it’s officially spooky season and I get to find what slutty version of a normal thing I’m gonna dress up as. 

I’m thinking sexy mouse a la Mean Girls (2004) but I’m open to suggestions.

Sexy plumber, maybe?

This is true. Especially since a lot of those places for the rich and famous are extremely expensive. Dude, that would totally boost your attendance. It’s not that hard to do. I work for the paper; I could do a write up for you.

Shit, if you’re okay with writing it up for me, I’d pay you. I’m serious. That’s really nice of you to offer, Skylar. I appreciate it.

Alright, please tell me you’ve seen Vine? Or if you at least heard of it? It’s kind of like that, sort of. You make short videos. People do dances, sing, follow whatever viral trend is happening at the moment, etc. It’s entertaining. I mean, I’m not an influencer by any means but I like having fun with it. 

Vine. Can’t say it rings a bell. Doesn’t YouTube have videos of people who dance, sing, and do other viral things? I don’t know, kid, you’re probably gonna have to give me a hint or two about social media. I can learn quickly, but I just don’t know where to start.

MERCY: maybe. its a nice space

MERCY: it was cool just, how it was, but all the lights and music at night definitely had some charm

GIO: What would make it nicer? I'm open to all suggestions.

Sometimes I’m so fed up with people that I feel like running away to some monastery but then I remember that I can’t live without technology, women and food. Anyway, what’s new with y’all?

Trust me, running away isn’t all that fun. You’d miss more than just technology, women, and food. What’s got you half-considering running away though?

Yeah, but the real question is, do I have the time? I definitely don’t have my old one anymore, I think I sold it at one point or let my mom sell it at one of our yard sales. I’ll think it over, but I’m not making any promises.

Hmm, I’m not sure. Do you? Regardless, whenever you get the time, if you’re ever interested, you know where to find me.

MERCY: so that open mike is every friday?

GIO: Every other Friday for now since people aren't too interested in it yet. But I'm still at the shop on Fridays.

I feel like this is evidence that I need to get out more. I’ve never gotten the courage to sing at an open mic night but the couple that I have gone to back in Seattle were incredibly fun. 

Well, maybe this is fate making our paths cross. Maybe it’s about time you try the stage out and see how it suits you. If you’re just bringing your voice and want some backup, I’m your guy.

DJ: i lost oxygen for at least a solid minute

Maybe all of the talented musicians and artists already left for somewhere bigger to get their fame on. Although only four at an open mic is pretty sad. Are you advertising and all that good stuff so people actually know it’s happening?

Lots of people leave, but sometimes they find their way back home. I’m not too great with advertising, but I did put up some flyers wherever I could. I’m starting to think I should really get into social media and what not.

Cup Noodles? Really? Your bones must be made of salt by now. 

Who knows, maybe I’ll flick a dime in your direction then technically, I’m an investor. Or just assaulting you with coins. Either way, a win.

Yeah, these old bones are pretty brittle now, but they take good care of me here at the senior center. 

honey: Just oregano, right?

[ a few '...' pop up, and then disappear ]

honey: Love you GG

gio: Sometimes I mix it with basil, but yeah. Just that.

DJ: i'm really losin it man i didnt think it was gonnag et me like this

DJ: i cant breathe

DJ: idk why but i was watchin this old preacher on youtube, call it christian guilt

DJ: he just keeps screamin WHY

DJ: i'm having the time of my life

DJ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zYNHZM3jlk

Gio: Why is this shit so funny?

honey: Sleepytime tea has actually helped me a lot lately, since you bring that up ~

honey: Not lost just... postponed

honey: :)

gio: I like to use a different kind of herb to help me sleep, but maybe I'll try Sleepytime tea someday.

gio: 'Postponed' weighs a lot lighter on the soul.

Spelling hippopotamus isn’t exactly winning the Nobel Prize, G. 

Mhm. 

It’s impressive when you’re ten and the rest of the kids are struggling to learn the difference between “your” and “you’re” which, by the way, I also had trouble doing that. So anything beyond what I know is automatically a win to me, especially if it’s something you did.

I guess I’ll just set up shop, maybe I’ll bring a microwave. 

Maybe. If I do, I’ll drag my sister. Might just put your lil Mike Night on the map with her voice.

No need for the microwave, I’ve got one in the backroom of the shop. I practically live on Cup Noodles, so I’ve always gotta be within reach of a microwave.