Unexpected Clips of Life

I'm at a bar.

A nothing bar really.

No sentimental attachment.

A place I'm only ever at because someone performing upstairs is someone I know and want to support.

It's Friday pm.

I'm minding my own business.

Drinking a very disappointing Guinness.

When will I learn that there's very little point in ordering a pint outside of Ireland?

I'm distracted by the "Guinness" because suddenly out of nowhere I'm reminded of my Dad.

The overpowering smell of the powder he'd put in his LL Bean slippers is transporting me back to when he was alive. When he'd walk around late at night making sure all the lights were off and the doors were locked. The slapping of his slippers on the brick like linoleum in the dining room. Jesus. I haven't thought about any of this in forever.

But here I am.

In a bar.

On a Friday night.

Smelling powder and thinking of my dead father.