Caution Tape

by Laurel Tokarczyk

          He spoke to me with a familiar tone, although it had been over a year since we shared any kind of conversation. This boy, whom I used to walk down the halls with, faded in time just like most of those familiar faces from high school. I always told myself that I would never lose contact with my true friends, but it’s hard to predict life at 17. Now, three years later, we sat on massage chairs in the midst of a neighborhood mall, just watching people wander by on the floor below.
          It was a boring night that was surprisingly uplifted by the call from an old friend. Had it been any other Tuesday night, I know exactly where my path would have gone. Tiredly, I would have, no doubt, lounged around on the couch, flipping through channels that display shows that I have no desire to become enthralled with. (continued)