Did you find her? He asked.

No. No, I did not. Looked everywhere. Old dives we used to go to. Diners where we all had pie at two in the morning. Washington Square Park, where we always went to buy joints from that one guy.

Nothing?

Nope. When was the last time you saw her?

Couple, maybe three months ago.

It’s been longer than that.

Maybe. I can’t keep up with time anymore. It goes quickly or not at all. Just stays on the same month sometimes.  Can’t tell a difference until the seasons change, he told me.

Leaves.

Yes. I noticed tonight while I was walking over here. Went past Union Square. All those damn people selling organic vegetables. I can’t afford organic vegetables, he said.

No one can. They keep up with the Jones’. Dinner parties in empty lofts. Saying minimalism is chic. Brick walls covered in black and white photos. House poor. But, they have their parsnips, I laughed.

Yeah. He took another drink. No sign of her, huh? 

Afraid not.

Hope nothing happened to her, he said.

Yeah. Hope not.

I’m out of here.

See you around, I said.

Not if I see you first.