Part 2: A few weeks later

Read Part 1


I am stationed at the public service desk in the downtown office building where I work. I glance up and notice B.G. approaching, smiling benignly at me. For a second I assume I'm hallucinating, and then I think, "oh my god, he's found out where I work, and now I'm going to die."

B.G. (apparently failing to recognize me): Good afternoon, sir!
Me (trying to make myself as bland and unmemorable as possible): Uh, hello...
B.G.: I wonder if you had a chance to try the muffins I brought around earlier?
Me (completely thrown): Sorry, I hadn't heard about any muffins.
B.G.: Well, you really must try one; I just baked them myself this morning.
Me: Oh, really?
B.G.: Yes indeed. Now I wonder, sir, if by any chance you were at all acquainted with the late Mr. Burton Cummings? (He doesn't actually say Burton Cummings. He mentions the name of a prominent local man, considerably younger than himself, who to the best of my knowledge is still very much alive.)
Me (uncertainly): I know him by reputation...
B.G.: Well, as you seem like quite a nice young man yourself, I feel there is something I would like to share with you. (He takes a deep breath, and sighs.) One of the greatest satisfactions of my life has been that I was able to be of some comfort to him in the days of his final illness. He was such a lovely person! Such a talent!
Me (flabbergasted): Well, that's ... uh ... very nice! You know, I think I'll go and see if there are any of those muffins left.

I scurry away, and as the end of my shift is mercifully near, manage to spend the
remainder of it in hiding.



-thanks to j.d. for the contribution