The Last Days

The Metrorail track around the stop (Naylor Road) prior to the one where I get off (Suitland) for work is elevated. As the train leaves it for Suitland, looking out the window I was always able see an IHOP restaurant. IHOP is a heaven for a guy like me, who in terms of food values quantity over quality. I mean, it's good food there...it's not like it's inedible; it's just not filet mignon. What it is, though, is cheap as anything. You get your bill and think there's been a mistake, but then you realize pancakes are cheap to make and you just got a good deal. Oh, but that particular IHOP. How many times did I just want to blow off the morning by getting off at Naylor Road and just running in there for all-you-can-pancakes? Me and a fellow newbie, Jeff, whom I sometimes rode with on the train often talked about ditching work and just running in there. I vowed if not before, then on my last day of work at the Census I would go in to work late after eating breakfast in that IHOP. I'd finally live the dream.

Then came the day when I looked out of my Metrocar window and saw that the IHOP had closed. No!!! My dreams shattered. The thoughts of an un-pancaked last day at once began to torment me. I couldn't even run in with Jeff on some random day...and then I found out Jeff had quit work, too! That didn't hurt as bad because I never really liked him, anyway.

Oh, screw it. I'll just make my own pancakes my last day! I'll do a damn better job, too. I heard that IHOP was greasy, anyway.

During the time I worked at Stew Leonard's Ice Cream Parlor, I also had a dream for my last day. Right before I took off the apron forever, I was to stick my head under the soft ice cream spout with my mouth open, and would just pull that level down hard. Oh man, I would rain sweet paradise down upon myself. That plan backfired because I chickened out with all the people watching. Deep down I knew I might need them to give me a job one day again. Looking back, I choose...wisely.

My last day here, I'm hoping, will be unrecognized as much as I can help it. I plan to say as few goodbyes as possible, and since I sit near the door, duck out without anyone seeing me. And just like that, I'll be gone.