i'm here all night

things weren't working out,

i needed air,

a new

place to lie down in.

so i

booked a few nights

at the local inn.

the edge of town.

near

the tracks,

near the abandoned

warehouse.

three nights

i told

the lady at the desk.

double or queen

she said,

while eating a tuna

sandwich.

just me, i replied.

just me.

a twin bed would be

fine as well.

we have free wifi

and color tv, she said

with a smile

handing me the key.

do you need help with

your luggage?

no, i said, showing her

my toothbrush,

i'm good.

well, she said as she

wiped mayonnaise

off her chin,

if you need to talk about

anything,

i'm here all night.

i've heard these stories

before.

it's a woman, right?