Oysters for Dinner

(Signs of the Times is a work of fiction based on true events. Views expressed are the characters’ own. Viewer discretion is advised.)

Two friends sit on concrete steps. They watch the water move. A ferry crosses the bay in the distance.

One of the friends wears a baseball cap. The other wears a beanie. They wear all black. It’s cold.

“You got plans next week?” baseball cap asks.

“We’ll see,” beanie says.

“When?”

“Next week.”

“Exactly.”

The ferry blows its horn. Beanie waves out to sea.

“Exactly what?”

“Exactly the behavior I expected,” baseball cap says.

“To stay present?”

“To have no plan for next week.”

They laugh. The ferry blows its horn. Beanie waves out to sea.