I'm peeling an old name off my locker, typed out loud in all caps on red vinyl tape. One side is already undone, bending off the gray metal and flapping whenever the door slams shut, but the other side is holding on for dear life, for remembrance. It takes me hot water and a razor blade to get it off, a trick we use for stubborn inspection stickers bearing a year that's gone and forgotten. That's what this name tag is, the trash of history, from a garage that no longer exists. Out with the old, in with the new.
On our stickers, a new year: 2010.
On this locker, a new name: Dan Demaine.
On the garage, a new sign: Alignment.
The locker door squeaks closed with my tools inside and a fresh name tag pressed on the top. It would be an easy fix, but I leave the hinge alone: this is my territory, and I intend to make some noise in this place.
Right now, I'm supposed to head out front to meet the boss and my new co-workers. I'm not here to make friends, and they'd better not get in my way.
Well, Dan, I must admit that I find myself with the opposite attitude as you on the subject of making friends. Maybe it's because you're so used to your domain... and I was practically born yesterday into mine. Actually I was born a hell of a long time before yesterday, but you get the idea. Take it easy bud, don't blow your spark plug.
ReplyDeleteAl
Dan,
ReplyDeleteYou might be going about this all wrong, but what am I to know about "mechanics". Mechanics all seem like you are, though, who are you to think you are better than anyone else? What makes you less average than the other guys there?
Sorry. Just my negativity speaking. Don't mind me.