Today was Monday

It was a pretty likable day. This week I picked my spot on a bench by the Intel building—overlooking the student square. Of course, every week I had to change locations to elude the authorities. I never took particular notice of them, but my firm told me that’s the way it was to be done. So, if I wanted my position to be prosperous, I’d best take heed. Somewhere in between these several months I’ve developed a dreadful smoking habit. I don’t know if it was the subconscious nervousness showing its mark or I was just goddamn stupid. Either way I was in good physical shape and this was surely going to cut into my boxing season. Not to mention the drinking!

Anyway, I sat there, like I usually did—taking quick drags from the cigarette and staring at the crowds. I’ve pretty much seen it all, man—you know how these liberal arts universities are—from where I was I could see everything: sharp looking knockouts with their tight tops and mini skirts—searching for an easy lay; wannabe tough guys showing off their biceps and glancing at their reflection at any chance they got. Of course, there were also the pseudo-intellectuals with their top hats and briefcases, running after coffee; there were also the queers—with their sleazy smiles and bird walks—crooning at passerby. There definitely were groups of nerds who’d gawk at the knockouts, and the occasional revolutionary—with his Che Guevara shirt and infested dreads—was bound to make an appearance sooner or later. All these fine specimens were human. They were all my customers. In time of need, they came to me and I gave them their fix. Yeah, I’ve seen it all.

So where do I fit in? A scruffy haired, mysterious looking loner—connecting himself to the people. Real original. Yep, this was the way it was done. DH-240 was only ripening back then; it traveled in small circles, and I was one of the honourable trustees in charge of this side of the campus. Anyway, it was almost twelve and he usually showed up at this time. So, I put on my earphones and watched the square; lots of people passing to and fro. It wasn’t hard to spot them though—you know, the usual suspects: a fake smile here and a sorry sounding laugh there. Nope, it was easy game if you looked hard enough. These loafers weren’t real happy inside. A melancholy mist devoured them from within. I’ve known this sickness many times; hell, I’ll be real honest: I’ve taken the stuff, just to see what the hype was about; only, it didn’t do much for me. They say some people just don’t have much luck. DH-240 is like hypnosis: some people will go under, others won’t. You really got to want it. This was no prozac and certainly no heroin; this was something else… Anyway, so I was waiting for Jake…

As I gazed around the square, expecting to spot him at any minute, I noticed a crowd of people gathering in front of the Social Sciences building. I could also make out at what appeared to be a person pacing on the roof top. “Probably some sort of student rally” I thought. Better to release that rebellion for the last time before they enter the workplace; then, they’ll lose all sense of freedom’s ambition and start wondering what all the fuss was about anyway? After all, it’s time to play catch-up: better get that SUV before my neighbour, check the stock channel and get on the treadmill. Swim with the current and become just another catch. But after all, what’s worse than having a life and not living? Not having a life worth living, that’s what.

So, as I stared at the spectacle, the crowd seemed to double and a police escort was making its way to the front. Well, looks like Josh wasn’t going to show up so maybe I’ll go and investigate. Besides, I was getting hungry. Releasing a sigh, I walked across the field and towards the crowd. As I came nearer, sketches of the proceeding event got clearer. There was a man on the roof; silent and motionless, he was now standing on the edge. At first, I was confused and then realized what this guy was going to do. “Poor guy”, I thought. “Some people just can’t hang in there. It’s too bad he didn’t find me. A good dose could have helped him out.” Just as I looked up; the kid jumped and hit the pavement without a sound. People started shouting. Women were screaming loudly and the police were pushing everyone away. I stood there for some time, looking at the broken figure in front of me. There was no mistaking; it was Josh. I took a heavy sigh, lit a cigarette and walked away.

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