I met you on the corner of Madison and State.
Zero, Zero. The center of the grid.
You probably don’t know that.
You don’t look like you’re from around these parts, and honestly most people who grew up here don’t know that.
Chicago is a grid city. Going North, South, East or West from Madison and State Street the numbers get bigger the farther you go.
Cool right?
You probably wouldn’t think so, so I didn’t tell you.
Your hand was out and I was the first taxi that pulled up. You were carrying bags from some store on Michigan Avenue they probably have where you’re from.
Tourist.
You tell me you need to get to Water Tower Place. You asked if I knew where that was.
Of course I know.
You climbed in and shook the snow out of your hair.
Lovely.
All over my seats.
Thank you.
You ask me my name, I reply. The company I work for tells me I should be nicer to the customers.
Why? I ask myself.
It’s a taxi service. I take you safely from point A to point B, does it matter if I tell you what my favorite color is or if I tell you about my love of fish sticks?
I listen to you tell me about your trip so far.
Your husband took your kids to the mall so you could shop. Isn’t that sweet? I nod my head.
Your younger son is into some book series about werewolves. Kids today, right? I shrug.
You were about to go back to the hotel for some “me time” but you lost your key. I make a consoling noise as I dodge a cyclist.
Turn right on Washington. Left on Michigan. Right on Pearson.
Here we are.
You pay your fare and tip me $5. You smile and wish me a good night.
Enjoy the city, I reply.
You close your door and I turn on my light. Ready for the next bout of human interaction.
6. love letter, werewolves, taxi service, lost key, fish sticks.
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