the streets

This story started here.

I had always considered Fifteen to be a very level-headed
young lad. He spent a lot of time in Duffy’s, though I’m sure
he wasn’t old enough to satisfy Uncle Mike. Hizzonner will probably
decide next that only people between the ages of 35 and 50 are
allowed to drink, and then only on weekends. Anyway, the day
after Barry told us the story about the streets moving around,
Fifteen came into Duffy’s and sat at our table, looking vexed. It
was mostly the same crew as the previous night, and he sat down
and nodded absently to all of us. We continued with our
conversation for a few moments, but then it became obvious that
something was bothering our young comrade.

Matthew pulled out a penny and flipped it into the air. He
caught it and examined it. He looked up, smiling, and said to me,
“Heads. You get to talk to him.”

I turned to young Fifteen, who was slumping further and further
down in his chair. “You look like you’re deep in thought,” I
commented helpfully. “Pondering the rotten state of the
world economy?”

He shook his head. “Something weird just happened.” He
looked around. “Come on,” he said to me, jerking his head toward
the bar. As I got up to follow him, I heard Matthew say, “Maybe
he just found out about girls,” but I’m pretty sure Fifteen didn’t
hear him.

At the bar, he waited until Archie brought him a beer, then
he said, “Something very weird just happened.” I was tempted to
point out that he had already said that, but I kept quiet. “I
was just walking along Prescott, down by the docks, and a couple
of guys saw me and yelled something.”

“Were you on your bike?” I asked.

He shook his head. “No, so I took off as soon as the guy
yelled. I ran down that big street by the brewery, and then I
turned a corner and then suddenly I was just a block from here,
by the old theater.” He shrugged. “I may be crazy, but I didn’t
imagine those guys, and I’m here.”

Ordinarily I would have just laughed, but I could tell he was
waiting for that, so I stood up. “Come on,” I said, “show
me.”

As we walked toward the door, Archie called, “You want a
refill?”

I realized I was still carrying my mug. I held it out. “Sure.
I’ll bring it back later.” He took it and filled it up. I offered
Fifteen a sip, and then we went forth into the night.

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