My teacher explained parallel lines. Two entities traveling and never meeting. I looked at my friend in his desk and chair combo and imagined the chalkboard falling forward and the two of us moving on rails out into the world. I could reach out and hold his hand if I liked.
He lived in a magic house. Everything was stained glass and stone and very old. Now it's an air bnb. Wine fridge. LED lights. Air hockey. I’ve seen it online. It’s a terrible feeling. I’m talking about my friend but I’m talking about the house too. Over time distance grows and you look for your friend and they are a spot on the horizon. Years later I saw him at the grocery store.
We made small talk.
I go by his house sometimes now that I’m old. I rattle the doorknob and put my face on the stained glass.
One day I’ll stop visiting this house.
I promise.
Cavern, ink, glue and acrylic on plastic, 10x7 inches, 2023