Something Isn't Wrong

Matthew

I arrived in Atlanta with arrangements to stay at a couch surfers house. Matthew Cole had a place in buckhead that wasn't the easiest place for a stranger to find. My flight from Tokyo landed around 15:30, I finally found my way to his door at 21:00 to find a note telling me Matthew was at the Twisted Taco and I should call him at the number given.

Matthew picked me up and took me to the Leopard Lounge, which is next door to the Twisted Taco. Both places were your typical meat markets. Matthew seemed to fit right in. I took a certain amount of curious joy from watching him carry on with the young lady's he had just met. “game” is what he called it. He encouraged me to get mine on as well. This sort of bar wasn't my thing. I politely refused any advancements from the opposite sex and just kept my eyes open.

The next morning Matthew took me to an Indian restaurant in Little Five Points. I intended to leave Atlanta that day. I asked Matthew if he would be kind enough to take me to the car rental place I had reserved a car with a few hours earlier. He didn't have a problem with it.

I had just spent two weeks in Japan, most of that time in Tokyo. The idea of renting an automobile pleased me. I pictured a day alone in a vehicle exploring the Georgia country side. I had just fallen in love with a country that wasn't mine. Like someone in love, I had a playful attitude. A one way rental was $80. $80 was easy to justify, the images I had created in my mind were sublime, and well worth the money.

I was on my way to Augusta to visit a good friend of mine, John Cristy. John has been living in Augusta with his lovely lady Nicole. Both have been studying as dietary interns. John has always been one of my favorite human beings. He seems to me to have one of the most pure interpretations of the world around him. I've never talked of philosophy with Mr. Cristy and I hope I never will. In his presents I almost feel like a child. Things like depression seemed so far removed from anything that is real. Knowing I'm on my way to see my good friend makes my ride on the back roads that much more enjoyable. I stop often and take in my surroundings.

I stopped at a Dollar General to stretch my legs and pick up a sports drink. I stood outside sipping on the blue refreshment looking at the Chevy Cobalt they gave me at the rental house. I reflected on the events of my life that led me to this small Georgia town. I didn't come to any dramatic conclusions or revelations, but just thinking about this string of events gave me a feeling of peace. As if all was as it should be.

I took off my shoes, got behind the wheel, and continued down Georgia 12.