Dresden. Take two.
This was my favorite city in Germany when my program went a-travelin’. So after gradually shifting from asking me if I wanted to go with her to referring to “our hotel,” Lena finally got me to agree to take a train and check it out again. Our entire relationship is a war of attrition. I’m always losing.
Tonight I went out on the roof outside of our window seeking solace in the usual places: my iPod and a cigarette. So caught up was I in my rendition of Okkervil River’s For Real, I didn’t notice that the hotel restaurant’s wait staff had stepped out for a cigarette and were sitting on the steps below me. Now staring at me. In awe and confusion. These looks were not flattering. Reluctantly I took out one ear bud and asked the girl with the most piercing stare if she was speaking to me.
“Ja”
“Noch einmal?”
“Hallo.”
I put my headphones back on. Did a mental calculation to work out the odds that they were calling security to come and escort me back inside or the police to talk the jumper down. We’re on the first floor. Things seemed to be in my favor. But then a manager looking man came out and seemed to be talking. The ear bud came out again.
“Bitte?”
“Alles klar?”
”Well since you asked…” I thought to myself.
“Ja, alles fit.”
He gave me one more incredulous look and then retreated back into shadow. I guess I was safe. The view was incredible, the weather crisp.
