cocoon

i needed to grab a bite before meeting up with a friend.

i am a sucker for diners. and, being new york, there was one conveniently located on the corner.

i walked in and took a seat at the counter. i was given a menu. and really, who needs a menu in a diner? but i obliged. and flipped through the book of griddle classics, diner pastas, and breakfast-for-dinner platters. i, of course, decided on the grilled cheese. and a coffee.

i took a look around. and i realized i was the only person under the age of 70. if not 80. it was as though i'd stepped into an alternate universe.

well. that. or the early bird special.

i sat for about an hour. listening to the conversations of the Uncle Leo's and Estelle Costanza's. oy veying about how you can't buy writing paper anymore. and candidly exhaling sighs, stating that "life isn't easy when you become older."

it was one of the best meals i've had in ages.

here i was. steps away from the mainstream-alternative-hipster magazine that is meant to be considered the virtual center of youth culture. in moments, leaving to take part in this supposed center of "youth" and "cool."

and i'd somehow walked in on the next sequel to cocoon.