Neil San Francisco — 1986 Cat House

Ryan pauses, watching Jeremy and Gayle on the boat traveling homeward. Jeremy is on the highest desk, leaning over the railing, captivated by the foaming waves. Gayle is downstairs, sipping tea and bitterness.

Huck pecks Neil delicately on the cheek. Neil doesn’t seem to feel his touch. He is standing limply before the open window letting the charred remains of burnt bread escape into the night like fleeing spirits. Huck flies after it.

“Huck!” Neil cries, leaning out into the night. The scent of sorrow lingers, but Huck has vanished. A few sparks fall from the sky like colored rain.

“Damn,” Neil runs into the street. Ryan, caught up in the slipstream of history, does not follow.