Three of Cups [Reversed]

The City—LATE AFTERNOON

I hurry back to my room clutching my bottle. Still out of habit, I smile at the girls as I muscle through the crowded street full of bars and cafes. They frown back. I remember that I’ve become quite gaunt in these days of loneliness and wasting, and I return my hat and glasses.

As I now slide through the people like an unseen ghost, I spot Iris coming towards me, laughing with some friends. One is Spike. Of course. He’s gotten to her too. She spots me and waves me over. I can hear her say to the others “Is this the person who big balled my brother?”

I ignore it and instead I turn and run as fast as I can, across the street—shoes and hat flying—and into the doorway of my decrepit flophouse.