doppelganger

In the afternoon I took a long nap and lay fantasizing about meeting -----. I would wait for her in the evening, when she got off work, I’d wait just outside the main entrance to the building. When she came out she’d see my face in the streetlight. After a moment’s astonishment, she would call out my name and walk across the lobby toward me. Then we would walk along the silent street together, talking softly. From the little cafes bits of jazz music would drift over and keep us company. When we got to her place it would be night already. At the perfect moment, I would bend over and kiss her. I’d make myself clear to her then, and everything could happen…

I was so carried away with this little dream that I couldn’t sleep. I got up and cleaned my room, then cooked myself a big dinner. I spent an hour fussing over my hair and clothes before I left.

But when I came to the place, she wasn't there. She’d probably gone home early that day, I said to myself, and felt that my plan of surprising her was impractical in the first place. So I ended up walking up and down the street, bought a beer and drank it sitting on the curb. Then I went home. The next day I called her and didn’t tell her anything. But she started talking to me.

“So this man – the shady one I told you about, from that gas station? I walk out of the office and I see him standing just outside the main entrance. I could see his face in the streetlight, and even the big wart on his neck. I was scared shitless. I yelled at him, ‘Is that you, Eddie?’ and he didn’t say anything. So after a moment I walk out of the building and he says, “Hey, I’ll walk you home.” So I say, “Thank you…” Then he starts talking some gibberish to me in that rasping voice of his. And he had really bad beer breath too. I couldn’t understand a word. I asked again and again, ‘What? What did you say?’ but he just kept mumbling… Then all of a sudden he bent over and tried to kiss me. I could feel the two or three hairs sticking out the side of his mouth. So I shoved him back, let him have it across the face. ‘You fucking pervert!’ I screamed at him. Then I ran all the way home. God, I hope I never have to go through that shit again!…”