Double-takes
Riding to work on Saturday I was startled to see the University Ave fence and gates to the George Eastman House festooned in crime scene tape.
At first I thought perhaps thieves had made off with George’s recently rediscovered sideboard, but then, looking more closely, the tape said “Crime Scene — Law & Order”. Oh. Just promotional stuff for the Law & Order: Crime Scenes photo exhibition.
Now, before you think, shameful chicken-queen, read this all the way through.
The other day at work, I nearly snapped my neck doing a double-take when, from the corner of my eye, a kid caught my complete and total attention. All of maybe 13 or 14, blond, cast on his right forearm, red baseball cap, black rock star t-shirt, nice-enough looking, maybe even a future stunner.
But what captured me was his walk. He had this mixture of confidence, carefree and ‘tude that was exactly—EXACTLY—like Jeffrey’s “happy camper” walk. It was eerie.
Jeffrey was always self-conscious of his happy camper walk, saying it was because he’d once broken both feet jumping out a window. Cast or no cast, I doubt this kid had ever done the same, so I’m now discounting that theory.
Anyway, I watched the kid for as long as I dared lest co-workers, patrons or his mother think, predatory pedophile pervert of me. It brought back bittersweet memories and reminded me of how long it’s been since I’ve Jeffrey’s happy camper walk.
