The Interlocutor
Six-word photo story challenge: Freestyle
You’re not from around here, Mister.
Whoa. You startled me. Where did you come from? And, Are you talkin to me?
A wise guy, huh. You ain’t no DeNiro. I haven’t seen you in these parts.
Sorry, I’ve always wanted to use that line from Taxi Driver.
We live down the street, the Wiese house. We’re here for
Rent?
The week…No, my partner Rebecca and her former spouse bought it 40 years ago.
She divorced?
Yes, 14 years.
Partner? You and she, you married?
No, we’ve decided we don’t need.
Do you work?
A marriage license…Say, what’s this all about?
Do you work?
If you must know, I retired in 2018 from college teaching.
Is there something wrong? I was walking down the street, minding my business.
My business is who walks on my street. I can tell you’re not from around here, professor. You a northerner?
Well, yes, as a matter of fact, we also live in northern Iowa, Decorah.
I’ve got friends up there. I’ll check you out. Do you go to church?
No, not really, yes, occasionally, the Presbyterian Church over on 15th Street.
I know Pastor Doug.
Isn’t he Pastor Jay?
Doesn’t matter. I run a clean street — no riff-raff. Lights out at 9 pm. Dogs are always chained. No cats.
No worries. No dogs or cats. And we’re always in bed by 8:30.