the absurd

the doorbell rings at about 7 p.m. today, and standing on the threshold is a good-looking chinese guy, in his twenties, someone i've not seen in my life. hi, he says, i was wondering if we could borrow a can opener. then, gesturing behind him by way of explanation, we live over there across from you. oh! i think, sure that just last week it was an expatriate couple living in that apartment, but willing to believe him because people move in and out of casa rosita like passengers in a transit lounge. i tell him anyway that sure you can have a can opener. then, being friendly: did you just move in? because just two days ago i did see the family movers in their ugly shirts hauling boxes and wire contraptions up the stairs. no, he says penitently, we're just having dinner. and i have nothing to say to that.