Author Thoughts – Hey Man! – 081925
I’m unsure how these things happen, but I assure you I attempted to mind my business until it was no longer possible. I concentrated on a glass of dry cabernet when an individual sat next to me…with the appropriate empty chair between us, of course. I knew him from previous visits, but not really. Not a name, but a familiar face tucked into a hoodie.
I said, “Hey, man.”
I got a quick “Hey” in return, no eye contact, and that was enough.
Do we ever need more than enough? Could a simple “Hey man” be enough?
Kristen was our server, and I learned who he was when she called him Tony. Despite knowing him as a hooded person for months, I never knew his name. I did not plan to use it. Knowing he was Tony was enough.
I swirled my cabernet. I didn’t think about what else to say, or if I’d say anything at all. I’d said enough.
Tony focused on his cell phone, as did I. Silence. No conversation, because we never had conversation. That was not part of who we were to each other. We weren’t drinking buddies; we were drinking at the same time.
After unsuccessfully fighting the urge to keep my trap shut, I looked at him and said, “You know, Tony, you are a man of few words.”
He grinned while I paused, his eyes still on the phone, and said nothing. I continued, “I just wanted you to know I appreciate that.”
I didn’t say anything else because I genuinely did appreciate that. Enough had been said.
Based on the satisfied smile on his silent lips, nothing else needed to be said. We were done! Enough had been said.
It’s funny how something so insignificant can leave a mark. I don’t know if I left a mark that day, but at least Tony knows I’m a friend…of few words.
It’s all good. I love the scars I’ve accumulated with all the anomalous Tonys in my life.
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Peace! G.