That Feeling of Not Belonging Anywhere

The bar. Aya is already there. Mina comes in. One earbud still in. Eyes half-closed.

Aya “You look terrible.”

Mina “Night shift yesterday.”

Aya “You still have your earbud in.”

Mina “Oh.”

She takes it out. Settles onto the barstool.

Aya “Did you sleep?”

Mina “Slept till noon, woke up, stared into space, and suddenly it's evening.”

Aya “The day just dissolves.”

Mina “Yeah. And my head wouldn't turn on at home, so I came out.”

Aya “What do you want to eat?”

Mina “Whatever. I don't want to think.”

Aya “Hey — the usual times two, please.”

A pause. Mina leans on the counter, staring at nothing.

Mina “…The walk from work to a place like this might be my favorite part of the day.”

Aya “The walk?”

Mina “Yeah. That window where you're done and don't have to do anything else. But you're not home yet. That feeling of not belonging anywhere.”

Aya “…What? I love that.”

Mina “Good, right?”

The bartender sets down small dishes.

Mina “Thank you.”

Mina takes a bite and closes her eyes for a moment.

Aya “Back among the living?”

Mina “…Almost.”