That was your plan? he asked. That’s what brought you to Vermont?

In a roundabout way, yes. I just took off. Had no idea where I would end up. Still don’t. 

Living out of your car?

Yeah. I park it on College Street every night in front of the library. He sipped his beer.

Do you work?

No. I did. I was a journalist. Wrote for papers in Chicago and Virginia outside of D. C.

And you just quit?

Yeah. I just stood up in my cubicle one day and said, I quit. Both men laughed. Then I took off. Left my wife and home behind. Just drove north on I95. Hung out in Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, a little bit of Maine, drove till I couldn’t drive anymore. Drove straight to this barstool. Spending my last few dollars on a beer.

What’re you going to do?

Don’t know. Right now, I’m going to enjoy the comforts of middle-class America and act as though nothing is wrong.

You’re a trip, man.

Yeah. Sure.

I’ll buy you a beer.

That would be appreciated. 

They clanked glasses. Here’s to freedom. Welcome to Vermont.

I’ll drink to that.