I notice him, over the last year. The familiar face, but all the smiles, the glasses, the books and papers. Like a funhouse version of a guy I used to know. I've passed him in the halls at the University, seen him on the baseball field. We've exchanged a handful of words, nothing more than that.

On my way past his table, I lightly hip-check him with a smirk. "Hey," I say.