The same group of friends sits around the same tables at the same bar.

Image Credit: Xavier Encinas

The televisions flicker on with news reports of September 11th.

One shows President Bush.

One shows Mayor Guiliani.

One replays the towers falling.

No one speaks.

Each takes his turn dodging Jaime’s glance.

Each takes his turn sipping his drink.

No one speaks.

Jaime tries and fails to make eye contact with each of them.

They crack peanuts.

No one speaks.

***

Jaime and Cris lie entangled on the wide couch.  A blanket half covers them.  The television flickers in the dark room.

CRIS: You don’t work right now.

JAIME: No, I don’t.

CRIS: You don’t go to school.

JAIME: Not for a while.

CRIS: What do you do during the day?

Jaime searches for an answer.

JAIME: I pick up, do laundry, meet with friends and family.  I sleep, eat, workout, surf channels, surf the net…

Cris sits up on one arm, staring down at Jaime.

CRIS: But you can’t do that forever.  Don’t get me wrong, you are definitely living the dream.

JAIME: Where’s this going?

CRIS: You can’t do that forever.  I’m not judging, I’m just curious.

JAIME: About what exactly?

CRIS: Your plans for the future.

Jaime hesitates.

JAIME: Cris, I don’t have much time.

CRIS: Ohmygod, you’re terminal.

JAIME: No, well, yes, but we all are.  No, what I mean, is yes, you’re right.  I can’t do this forever.  I do have something lined up.

CRIS: Good.  I can stop worrying then.