We are 30 year old men riding bicycles
to get cigarettes.
The silence is broken when he asks about her.

Sometimes I have to be reminded of my obsessions.

He asks me if I asked her out.
Should I?
No, he says, it’s weird.
She can make everything look artistic,
sensual. Cutting lemons?
You’re a pervert he says.
An old woman yells furiously at us for taking up the side walk.
We yell obscenities back.
Now we are 30 year old men who ride bicycles and abuse the elderly.

Sometimes I have to be reminded of my obsessions.

We don’t smoke.
I know we are going to get cigarettes.
But there are 20 cigarettes per pack
This is much cheaper than food.
He tells me she looks ten years my junior.
I think she is.
Does it sound better to explain it this way or
ten years her senior?
Stop thinking he says.
What?
Don’t ask her out.
Who? Oh, okay, yeah it’s weird you’re right.

Sometimes I have to be reminded of my obsessions.

Don’t do it.
Don’t worry, I won’t.