Friday, October 28, 2005
this uplifting tale begins with our hapless hero and chump (that's me), and the now ex-wife entering ventura's PACIFIC VIEW MALL. they casually stroll through the SEARS shoe department and take the escalator to the second floor. holding hands the chump and his wife exit the girl's clothing section and walk the wide passage-way to the CINGULAR cellphone kiosk. the wifey wants a new and improved phone.
the kiosk is manned by two young men. both are amateurish salesmen and i rapidly become put-off by them. wifey, in her overly helpful way, replaces a phone in its box and fumbles with the carton's lid. i touch her arm and say, "let the salesman do that". the wife half turns her head towards me and hisses in an angry tone, "i don't appreciate you grabbing my arm!". i don't say a word. through my dark glasses i glance at the salesman. he has a smirk on his face.
the rest of the day passes without comment on what transpired. i become cool, slightly detached. that evening, while the wife takes a nap before going to work the night shift, i gather several articles of clothing, my wallet, passport and another item or two. the bird is brought in, windows are shut and locked and a small table lamp in the kitchen is turned on. i go to my car, start it, back out of the carport and slowly drive away.
the wifey was calmly told after the first time she embarassed me in public that the next incident would be the last. hopefully she'll remember my words as she wonders where i've gone.
weatherwise, the south indian state of kerala is becoming pleasant this time of year. a meal of fish curry over red rice and a bhang lassi will act as a nice restorative.
