Shantih Journal 2.1 | Page 28

woman who was talking about her granddaughter ’ s prom and the virtues French seams . David didn ’ t know about sewing , but he knew the crepe back of that piece of fabric was soft against the skin .
The two women discussed the prom dress project further . The anime woman wasn ’ t known for speedy service , but this just gave David more time to stare into her perfect , acne-scarred face and wonder what it would feel like against his own .
“ Oh , actually I hemmed these sleeve that way ,” the anime woman said , presenting the pink of her sleeve to the old woman . But , when the old woman reached for her sleeve to get a closer look , the employee pulled away , “ You know what ? I ’ m sorry . This is totally a back stitch not a top stitch . I don ’ t know where my mind is today .” She scribbled a number on a yellow piece of paper , put it on the fabric , and shoved them both across the counter to the old lady . Confused , the gray-haired woman walked to the cashier .
Clearly , the anime woman wasn ’ t real . How could she be ? If the old woman had touched her , her hand would have gone right through . Then the secret of the universe , which until that point would have only been understood by David , would have been revealed to everyone .
The doctor ’ s med school flowchart sends David to the pharmacy with his renewed prescription for epilepsy medication and over the counter medicines . No antibiotics for fear of superbugs . Wouldn ’ t help much against a virus anyway . These are the rules of the world ; although , David assumes illness is another example of how imperfect his conspirators are .
David thinks he has a better flow chart . Cough ? Are you coughing up phlegm ? Yes ? Expectorant only . No ? Cough suppressant only . Nasal congestion ? Yes , the answer here is always yes if you ’ re feeling sick . The lotion ultra soft tissues that feel like they leave as much slime on your face as they take off , anti-histamines , vapor rub , Nyquil , and alcohol in case the Nyquil won ’ t help you sleep . Fever ? Yes ? Ibuprofen . No ? Get ibuprofen anyway .
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