every weekday the Machine closes at 8:30
we cannot clock out until nine even if we are done closing up.
on the weekend it is an hour later.
so yesterday, it is 952 and we are finished and ready to go home.

its me and Raquel,
she doesnt speak english,
i hardly speak spanish.
she's a gem, but obviously we have quite a hindered relationship.

so im sitting on the counter and she is staring into the sink and we are waiting.
i look over,
9:54
i shut my eyes and think about something important.
.............
well i thought it was important.
i remember what my body did more than what my mind said.
i scratch my head, smile at Raquel, tap my feet.
what time is it?
9:56
this is stupid.
i close my eyes again.
i open the register and vomit on the greens.
i walk to the fridge and wrap my phalanges around a fireman's axe,
carry it to the computer and swing my redemption right down the center.
---
i open my eyes
9:59
amazing
i look at Raquel again, and all there is to do is laugh,
so we do.