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SOMETHING BAD HAPPENED TODAY
ZACHARY GERMAN


i got on the L train at 8th avenue

i noticed that a black woman didn't get off the 8th avenue bound L train

she stayed on it as it became a brooklyn bound L train

i saw her sitting across from me

later i didn't see her

later she was sitting next to me

she said 'can i ask you a question'

she said 'what book is that'

i was reading 'honored guest' by joy williams

i said 'honored guest by joy williams' quietly and showed her the cover of the book

she said 'what'

i said the same thing, louder, and showed her the cover of the book for a longer period of time

she said something like 'can you read fast'

i said 'yes'

she said something like 'and you can write?'

i said 'yes'

she said 'you write well?'

i said 'yes'

she said 'are you working right now'

i said 'yes'

she said 'what'

i said 'yes'

she said 'and do you go to school'

i said 'no'

she said 'there is hair in your face'

she said 'may i move the hair out of your face'

i said 'no'

she said 'you have a bang'

she said 'there is a bang in your face'

she said 'may i move it back'

i said 'no'

she said 'are you married'

i said 'no'

she said 'but do you have children'

i said 'no' and laughed quietly, nervously

she said 'but do you want to have children'

i said 'no'

she said 'alright'

she didn't say anything for a little while

she said 'so you don't want to get married'

i said 'i don't know'

she said 'you've never dated any girls?'

she said 'are you gay'

she said 'sir are you gay'

she said 'it's my stop'

she said 'goodbye'

she said 'say goodbye sir'