What is with you? he asked. Something bothering you? he took a drink of coffee. You know, I didn’t ask for this either, picked up a piece of toast. There are things in life that just hit us. Like death. It hits us all of a sudden. I mean, there are those told ahead of time they’re going to die; cancer, heart problems, some kind of incurable disease. And it makes you think. Whereas if it’s just sudden, on the spot, there’s no time. You’re done.

Oh yeah?

Happened to my dad. He died in my arms. Said he felt dizzy and then just fell back on me. I didn’t try to save him. I just held him. Me holding onto a dead body. He was already gone, lit a cigarette. Anyway. What’s bothering you?

Nothing.

I don’t buy it. You’re not yourself. You’re like a million miles away. Waiting on something. Wanting something.

Yes.

What?

Salt and pepper.