I missed the bus on from 34th and South Street.
I decided to skate.
Twenty feet in, I decided not to skate.
I arrived discomforted.
Wet.
I ordered a dark roast.
Hot.
There were no open tables.
I went outside.
I pulled out my computer.
My computer was hot.
It hadn’t slept.
Like me.
I shut it down and started sipping my coffee.
After a couple of minutes, someone inside leaves a table open.
I dart.
I set down my skateboard.
Collect my coffee.
And sit.
And sit.
After a few minutes of taking pictures, I buy a slice of lemon meringue pie.
The barista said it was good.
I believe the barista.
I went to retrieve a spoon.
My camera strap caught on to the end of the table.
And falls.
Down.
Hurtling.
In a second.
Drop.
Some people gasp.
Someone picks up my camera for me.
“Thanks.”
I don’t react.
I flipped the switch.
It doesn’t turn on.
I take out the battery and put it back in.
Turns on.
I try to take a picture.
Freeze.
Freeze.
And freeze.