a short story (or something like that).
In short fiction on September 26, 2009 at 11:00 pm
1.
The Polar Bear is lonely.
He spends most afternoons with his face pressed against the air conditioner, watching sweater-clad coeds walking and giggling on the sidewalk below. “I could date any of these girls,” he tells himself.
This city is far away from the North Pole. The trip required the use of two boats, one train, and three airplanes. His mother shook her head in disappointment as she handed him the folder containing his travel documents.
“We have everything we need here,” she declared, indicating the wide, barren expanse of snow. White spread to the horizon, where it was met by the ecru sky. He rolled his eyes. The Arctic offered only bleak silence.
Civilization surpassed his highest expectations. Conveniences abounded: people movers, travel pillows, and tooth-whitening chewing gum. Tiny plastic bottles of fresh, pure water! Toilet seat covers!
He ate his first Cinnabon in Montreal, while perusing a complementary copy of USA Today. “This is the life I was meant to lead,” he realized.
If he closes his eyes and covers his ears, he can transport himself to his family’s den. The comforting smell of fur and fat. The reassuring din of his father’s snore is reminiscent of an air conditioner. Seal steak dinners and snow packed into his paws.
Now his home smells like Cool Water cologne. Most of his meals consist of egg salad sandwiches from a convenience store. He drinks imported beer in place of water.
“I belong here,” the Polar Bear says to his empty studio apartment.
2.
The Polar Bear is bored.
“I’m applying to grad school,” he tells the barista at the nearby coffee shop. She smiles blankly. Read the rest of this entry »
surprisingly free of umbrella drinks.
In here and now on September 23, 2009 at 9:57 pm
My ride for the week. The basket can hold a 24-pack of PBR
The journey back from Portland was excruciating: delays, quality time in the Denver airport (note to all: few vegan/gluten-free food options), and (temporarily) lost luggage. This only underscored my reluctance to return to Philly.
But…my vacation was amazing! Quite possibly the best trip in years! Alana (one of my first friends in Portland) was a great hostess, providing both a couch that might be more comfortable than my actual bed and the use of her cute French bike.
Why was my trip so great?
Hmmm…lots of biking in the sunshine with Susie, Brandon, and Alana.
Copious amounts of mexican food.
Late night champagne in a secret spot on the esplanade (a bike/walk path that runs along the river).
Two movies!
Constant hilarity with Alana.
A bike ride to Oaks Park (an old amusement park).
Solid nights of sleep and days full of adventure.
My friends. All of them are nothing less than wonderful.
I’ve spent the nights since my return working on cover letters. I’ll let you guess the location of my dream job. Read the rest of this entry »
