Coworker

Hey, Steve.

Huh?

What’s that guy’s name?

What guy?

Next office over, the guy with the tall hair, glasses, and he slouches.

I need more than that.

You know, the guy whose name I can never remember. I’ve asked you this before.

How am I supposed to know?

Because—we’ve had this exact conversation. I can never remember his name, so I always ask you what his name is.

And what do I say?

You tell me his name. You know his name.

Well I don’t know who you’re talking about.

Oh, come on. You knew last time, and I know you didn’t just stop knowing. Tall hair, works in the office across the way, glasses, slouches. The same clues I gave you before.

I don’t have time for this.

You can’t stop now, we always finish it! Come on, we’re almost done, and I need this.

God, okay. What do I say next?

His name! Which is…?

No idea. Marcus.

Yes! That’s it! Marcus. See? Why didn’t you just say that right off? Could have saved us the trouble.

I don’t remember remembering before, and I don’t know who you don’t know.

Well you know one thing I don’t know, so next time I don’t know something just say Marcus and we can skip the whole conversation.

What if you don’t know something else?

Wouldn’t know the difference.

Fine.

Marcus!

Related Tales

» “Tragedy” (22 of Feb, 2006)
» “Automaton” (31 of Dec, 2005)
» “Slow” (12 of Dec, 2005)