1996

A long look in the mirror. Since their separation, he has gained weight. From his memories, Jack constructs an image of Bethany as best he can. Her body stands nude next to him in the dressing booth, flexible as grass, pink and free and nothing like the women in Jack's magazines. The left hip sets just so, letting for a stance like a Greek statue. In times of doubt, he would place the crux of his palm there. It was somewhere for him to go.

meet me in the past, remember me in the future

whiskey's all gone and it's too cold in this house. something i've been working on.

"I'm all out of ideas, Beth." Their eyes come together on a grid in space, not between them but above both their heads, and Jack understands before she says
"Nobody cares about philosophy anymore."
It's a punch in the chest but Jack knows better than to take it personal. The way he sees this, it is an invitation by Bethany to resist the future. This must be the real reason why she's had him meet her for dinner.

permission to come aboard?

welcome, cadet, to what some call the internet and others call home. here, you'll be able to fulfill your most vehement digressions via usb and lcd and keys and keys of letters. it's a love affair, so bring your heart and mean it.

prime time
the newscaster pulls out a compact
from below her desk
and opens it like a smile.

as she stipples her chin,
the camera rolls on.

behind the scene,
crew watch at the mercy
of her seductive faux posture

and big, fake breasts.

discreetly, she shuts the mirror
out of sight and crosses her fingers.