So I popped by my preferred pub for an outdoor pint and a bowl of soup earlier.

After, I masked up and went inside to use the restroom.

It was like that scene from The Shining. But with good juju.

Completely empty. No one save for a bartender who I’m friend’s with...

1/

Jay waved me over and start pouring me a Guinness.

I sat on a stool near the door in case people hustled in and I had to bounce.

“How long has it been—” he said.

“March 12th. Halftime of the Big East Tournament.”

“That’s right. Man, crazy.”

And then we chit-chatted about bullshit. Staff that hasn’t come back to work. Bar gossip. Australia.

Both masked up and a good distance apart.

It was a carve-out: A brief, unusual, moment of normality on an abnormal day.

3/

It was just nice.

Sometimes happiness is just enjoying what you have while you have it...

Drank my one Guinness, tipped heavy and set off.

Would’ve liked to have stayed but now isn’t the time.

Been a long year. Next year will be better.

//