The real danger resides in the human heart. I am now a school librarian.

It happened so quickly, an ambush, and I had no reason not to accept his offer and become employed.

To celebrate, we went out to dinner. The cocktail sauce was loosely disguised ketchup, but the meal was delicious. And then we traveled to a lounge to meet some friends.

The interior was darkly well-lit, with smoky ambiance and improvisational background music that stole the spotlight.

Built from a DJ, a percussionist, and a horn-player. The first designed the context, the second the speed, and the third a little flair. (too much from time to time, if you ask me, but then I’ve never really liked the saxophone.) They called themselves “Inertia”.

And another man, Dave, had set up his easel to paint to the music. He spent a large portion of the evening crouched down on his knees, as if worshiping the empty canvas. I will admit I had my doubts. But eventually his flowers grew beautifully. And the music, it brought us all to dance.

And I considered my new position, my occasional career, and let myself be overcome. I drank, and danced, and tried to imagine the path of the future. I am scared, but optimistic. About what I am not sure. But we move forward, regardless.