and then there's maude

tantalizing. advertising.

my friend j just suggested contributors talk about the little jabs they land. right on. here's one:

the setting: college dorm hallway (dim lights, ugly carpet, white messageboards on doors)

the time: sunday evening, before dinner

the scenario: the kid (who remembers his name? did i ever know it?) approaches me and says, 'hey, maybe we could get lunch some time this week?' i reply, 'um, well, i'm busy all week.' to me, mild. but every meal spoken for, pals said, was plain mean.