Petiks and Bisi-bisihan at The Colony

You're surprised at how good it feels to be back. Outside the glass walls you can see that it's night. Inside there's a particular energy level that will reach its peak at around 2 am. You can't hear people approach you -- the carpet silences footsteps -- but you can see all around you because of the glass. There is a distinct hum of voices and keys. A vibration, if you like - a vibe, a hum punctuated by steady clicking and tapping of all those keys.

You are back but don't know what to do so you linger and move papers around. Petiks. You don't want to appear lazy or useless at your first night back at The Colony.

You don't recognize anyone but that's okay. It's early yet. Your team comes in later. And when you see Camille-wannabes wearing clothes that remind you of your own, you kind of laugh and change attire. You are able to change just like that. You change into short shorts (why not?) layers of tops and a coat. Let's see them copy this.

You see Ari and you remember why you liked him. He was so smart and talked to you about economics and gold and investments. "I liked a girl in college who looked exactly like you," he said. "Are you sure that wasn't me?" you said back. Now you ask him, "Ari, could you walk with me to the other side? I don't want to walk alone. This person I am avoiding will be easier to avoid if it appears we are talking about something important. You know, bisi-bisihan." He laughs. Ari, the economist.

When your team comes in you realize you don't recognize them and when they ask you for help you realize you don't know what to do. You don't know your passwords, you don't know The Systems, you don't know anything.

But it's okay. It's okay because... because... you've gotten through this before. You're happy. You have a feeling it will work. Yes.