13 – Love-Locked

November 28, 1992 – North Beach cafe

STEPS OF ROME. A man and woman (I know very well) are sitting at a café – practically nose-to-nose. Glassy eyes entranced. Expressions rally from eyes, to smiles, to eyes. Real love. Right?

But then these gorgeous legs wrapped in a skirt walk down Columbus Ave. The man’s eyes divert.

WOMAN: I think we’re made for each other. We have this special connection.

MAN: Wha' do ya mean?

WOMAN: I don’t know. It’s like whenever we’re apart, we’re still together.

A low-cut waitress bends to pick up a bill that has fluttered off her tray.

MAN: (observes every movement of the pick-up) Yeh, I guess so.

WOMAN: That was such a great trip.

MAN: That’s what journeys are meant to be. TOTAL adventure.

WOMAN: Making love in the woods. Sharing summer camp stories.

 A couple is rubbing each other’s arms. MAN notices and imitates with WOMAN.

WOMAN: You’re an incredible inspiration to me. I think we work together so well because we have this spiritual connection. You have this playfulness and openness just like me that is this spark for life 

MAN nods. WOMAN’s eyes are glued on him.

A couple stops in front of the open picture window. They sit and make out. Bundled in winter coats. The sun is setting behind them. The couple are engaged in a marathon kiss. As he’s watching, MAN’s tongue just sits on his bottom lip, dead, as he stares. MAN’s not listening to one word WOMAN’s saying now. Silverware falls off a table and clangs on the tile floor.

MAN: I’m sorry I wasn’t listening to a word you were saying.

WOMAN: Just now?

MAN: Yeh, I was off in space.

WOMAN: I didn’t say anything.

MAN: Oh.

Sad but true story.