Garage 4
©2009 Craig Ashby
Digital Photograph

Garage 4 sees the menace I am looking to show. So grim and creepy and uninviting. Ominous and foreboding are the words it conjures.

So this was supposed to be written last night but New York City got in the way. I get off work super late because I am the closer. I walk to the train. Everything is alright until I come to my usual bench.

Three people on the bench and nowhere to sit because all the empty seats are actually bag holders. Common problem in the city. I politely ask the young lady on the end to move them so I can sit.

Her attitude from the beginning starts with eye rolling and a huff. I sit anyway out of exhaustion. Then the fun begins.

She the puts the sole of her Reebok flat against my pant leg. I wait a second and shake my leg. She then asks in that valley girl way that most people speak if it is bothering me. Yes it is.

She then informs me that she was there first. I ask if she means the city or the planet. No the bench she says trying to make me the stupid one.

She still hasn’t moved her foot and she keeps pushing me with it. I then turn directly to her and say that she isn’t about that life. What life she asks. The one where you fuck with total strangers on the subway and don’t get your ass beat. I reach over and uncross her legs roughly with my hand.

She asks why I am so angry. Because entitled people like you. She claims not to be entitled but I point out she is playing games she won’t win.

I explain that she is so entitled that she and her bag deserve a seat each. She continues on with her vapid valley speak. I stop it right there. I explain that I am tired from work and won’t tolerate another second.

I raise my voice for the bitch to shut the fuck up. I then say that if she touches me again I will touch back. I warn her that she won’t like the way I touch. Both of the other ladies on the platform near me laugh out loud.