Slogans - Prince XML

Chapter 21
escape. It is important to carve a place for oneself in this world of increasingly pervasive noise.
If not a silence then a freedom from the obligation to communicate. It is a restful place but an
odd place, he thinks, full of local people from every walk of life. It has a good buzz–a
background of white noise that, in spite of the chatter, is so unspecific that it is restful. He
often turns off his mobile when he gets here or at least pretends not to notice if someone
channels him a message.
A tall black man in threadbare jeans and a scruffy sweater enters the bar and edges his way
towards him. Jonas’s friend places a salutory hand on his shoulder.
“Joseph! How are you?” he says turning to greet the tall figure, shaking his hand. “I’ve been
saving you a place.” He moves a bag from the bar stool next to him. “What are you having?”
“Good to see you. Jonas. You look tired though man. They been workin’ you too hard?”
“You read me like a book.”
“Hah. What book? Not the Bible, I think. Maybe a tabloid magazine or something.” He
laughs. “I’ll have a light beer. It looks like I probably can’t stay long. I’m on duty at the youth
centre, last minute notice.” He hands Jonas a folder of papers. “This is for you.”
Jonas smiles and gestures with his upturned hand to Joseph’s clothing. “Ok. You look
different. I don’t think I have ever seen you in jeans before.”
Joseph laughs. “Do you like them? I have always wanted to own a pair of jeans. Call it my
treat to myself. I am in the mood for a little decadence.”
“It’s very decadent.”
“A little symbol of western capitalism, manufactured in the heart of the communist far
east.”
Jonas gestures to the girl at the bar and gets him a beer.
“So you’re still involved in the youth centre?”
Joseph nods. “Not as much as these last years. It’s time for me to move on, but yes, I still
play a part. Take watches. You know. It’s good to be around the kids. It keeps them away from
the river.”
“You mean away from drugs?”
“Right.”
Jonas shifts his eyebrows. “I’d almost forgotten about that kind of thing. You know I live
such a isolated existence these days. I can’t remember the last time I actually walked along the
river, or was offered dope.” He smiles. “I should get out more.”
“Good to hear you say that,” his friend chimes. “You might not realize it, but other people
have things call lives. If you don’t have one you’re missing out.” He laughs and pats Jonas on
the arm amicably. “So anyway, what do you think?” He gestures to his jeans.
Jonas smiles quizzically. “I like it. A new style. What came over you?”
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