Category: Uncategorized

Anat woke up, had some Frosted Flakes. She jumped in the shower, got dressed and logged onto her office’s network. She handled a few things. She had enough. She decided to jog down to the children’s center and visit Jerry. It has been too long since she’s visited. She did receive a request to fill out more paperwork so the center could begin their background check to see if she could adopt Jerry.

She had a good run. As she approached the center she was frightened. There were police cars all over. Several officers were patrolling. She tried to get in. But was blocked by the NYPD. She texted Ann, who wrote back, “stay away.” Jay came and tried to get Jerry. He cried and refused to go. Our security guards tried to get Jay out of here. While this was happening, I grabbed Jerry and brought him into the laundry room.

Jay was screaming Jerry’s name. He ran through the center knocking things down, he shot glass at several people. He ran out of the center. Dan was running in. Jay fired glass at him. He hit him several times. He tried to duck. But was hit more. Dan had a gash on his shooting hand. He tried to grab his gun with his other hand. Jay shot glass between his fingers. Dan dropped the gun and fell to the pavement. Another officer started doing first aid and dialed 911. Jay ran out of the shelter. Anat witnessed the whole thing. Tears fell from her eyes. She ran over to Dan. He told her to get away, as he was being carried onto an ambulance.

Anat kicked herself into high speed. She ran after Jay. He was several feet ahead of her. Several officers were trailing him. But couldn’t keep up as they sustained some injuries in the glass fight. Anat fired raisins at Jay’s head. It slowed him down. But not enough to stop him. He turned around and started firing glass at Anat.

She continued her onslaught of dried fruit. She got a free second and sent an emergency text to Alana. She kept firing.

All of a sudden out nowhere came Marc. Pomegranates were flying. One clocked Jay in the nose. He aimed Honey at Jay’s eyes. As the honey temporarily blinded him., Basketball sized apricots and dates took out Jay’s knees. Jay was grounded.

Anat and Marc knew they needed the police. Anat was hysterical crying. She texted Dan, while Marc dialed 911.

The two smiled at each other. They both wondered how much longer their powers would remain unknown to the world?

I’ve written tribute pieces before. All have been for people I’ve known my entire life. But they say some people you meet for a reason and they come into your life for a short period and make an impact. That person was Rabbi Manfred Gans of Congregation Machane Chodosh. He was called home to Hashem 8/9/20. If you’re interested in learning about the great work he did in the Brooklyn and Forest Hills communities, I suggest you read Sergey Kadinsky’s piece on the Queens Jewish Link’s website.

I became active in the shul just as he retired. During the early stages of his retirement, he was still working hard. I remember coming early for weekday services which started at 6:45 a.m. I would sit and wait for someone to come in to lead the prayer service. Rabbi Gans would walk in a few minutes early with a big smile on his face. He would come right over to me and greet me with a firm handshake. He’d ask how I was feeling. He would greet everyone seated in the sanctuary.

Gingerly he walked up to his seat adjacent to the aron kodesh, the holy ark. The clock would tick.  Starting time arrived. He looked at me and said go up and start. Nervously, I walked up and began the services. At times he and I were the only two in the building. As I read from the siddur people started to come in and take their seats. I read several pages and handed it off to another person.

At the end of the services, Rabbi Gans thanked me and said when the clock shows it is prayer time you begin, whether we have a full house or it is just you. He went on to explain how I am praying to Hashem. And the mitzvah of dedicating this time to his honor. Rabbi Gans’ intelligence and leadership made you want to get up early and honor Hashem.

Eventually, I became the gabai. That’s the person who helps run the services and works to decide who will get various honors such as an aliyah. That’s being called up to the Torah. This job comes with great honor. Like any role that comes with great honors, it comes with high responsibilities. Of course, it comes with stress. Everyone wants an aliyah. Some only want a specific reading from the day’s Parsha. Some only want a specific aliyah number no matter what the portion. Some folks consider getting the fourth Torah reading an insult. Another great rabbi who left us once said, I will take this one. It is an honor being called to the Torah for any portion. Rabbi Gans lived that way.

I had many people try to teach me the gabai role. All week my iPhone would vibrate from people asking for an aliyah or other honor.  And to give advice.

In his retirement, Rabbi Gans was not physically able to come to shul each Saturday morning. Thankfully once he recognized the stress people were bringing upon me. He took me over to the side and explained the importance of this role and how to make the determinations of who to give what reading too. He explained how we can best honor the Sabbath and Hashem. I tried my best to use his teachings.

In 2014 when my dad passed away he sent me a beautifully written letter. I could tell it came straight from his beautiful, kind and warm heart. A few days later he saw and talked to me about the loss and how to properly honor my dad. He made me smile and brought some tears to my eyes.

When it comes to leadership, I spoke to many people who knew him when he was healthy enough to run the shop. It was not uncommon to see him moving chairs, tables, helping to serve food at breakfasts and dinners. He would call people the night before a Yom Tov (holy day) to make sure they had what they needed and were ready. He worked to create a Hebrew School. I have been involved with that program for many years. He made everyone feel welcome. More importantly, he made everyone feel they were helping to build the organization.

After the Torah reading, many rabbis speak. In some venues, they don’t. The services conclude. In the shuls where they speak, sadly that’s the time that most congregants step outside and converse amongst themselves. When Rabbi Gans spoke you stayed, you listened and more importantly, you learned. He was always prepared. He was able to talk about the current Parsha and tie it to today’s world. He made ancient teachings relevant to today’s world. He never spoke about how if heaven forbid you turned a light on or adjusted the A/C during Shabbos what a grave sin you committed. He understood that people are people. We all are at our levels with an eagerness to improve.

He helped us improve. We miss you.

After the Woodsman left, Marc started putting out the fire. Once it was out, Marc and Alana went to one cabin and fell asleep. Anat stayed outside for another hour or so. She retreated into the cabin next to her new “friends” cabin.

The sun rose. Marc and Alana jumped into the lake. Anat watched. She was still afraid to swim. But put it on her list of things to tackle. Everyone jumped into their cars and they drove home.

Jay was running around the city wreaking havoc. No one was able to stop him. He seemed to escape the NYPD each time they made chase. Dan texted Anat and told her to be careful. He still had no idea of her powers. And he certainly had no clue about the other two.

Research shows Jay was very upset about a job rejection nearly two plus decades ago. He did like camp. He was teased a little. But got along okay. He wasn’t in Marc’s group. He wouldn’t have done well there. Jay so much wanted to work for the poorly run organization that ran the camp. It was said that those who took full-time jobs had an IQ of less than 10. Jay wasn’t the sharpest tack in the box. But he wasn’t totally stupid. He had some skills.

He planned on stealing Jerry again from the children’s center. He was considering busting Diane out of jail. But had second thoughts. She could rot there. He never really loved her. He too wanted to test Jerry. That poor kid.

Marc and Alana were strolling around Queens Boulevard. It was not the cleanest. But they didn’t see a lot of broken glass. Anat had a similar experience in Central Park. She was on a date with Dan. She brought a picnic lunch. Of course, she loaded the salad with raisins and had some other dried fruit. They were getting closer. Anat felt happy for the first time. She was even pleased she was able to get along with Marc and Alana. She wondered if they would still talk to her after they reeled in Jay and he was taken away for life? Or longer?

Here we are still stuck in the Covid-19 pandemic. As you may recall, I’ve written about gloves a few times. Both pieces discussed how people are disgustingly tossing their used gloves onto the street. Masks, too. But now it is time to discuss gloves in a different light. A positive one.

At the beginning of the pandemic, it was advised to wear gloves in addition to masks.

Stores and Amazon sold out quickly. You saw street vendors popping up on the corners selling them. Several weeks later most people stopped wearing gloves. Many people are washing and/or sanitizing their hands more frequently. I wore gloves longer than most. I still do wear them at some points.

I wear them to open the entrance doors in my building, the incinerator and to grab items off the shelves in supermarkets. However, I’ve gotten good at using the trash bag and recyclables to prop open the incinerator door.

I was using them to swipe my MetroCard. Sometimes I still do. But I can swipe without ever touching the turnstile. As I am typing and thinking about my glove usage over the last few months, I’ve wondered if I should have always worn them. Or propped open doors as mentioned?

As a germophobe, I’ve often wondered about touching things like doorknobs, the turnstiles in subways, the armrests on seats in movie theaters, sports stadiums and concert halls. I almost always wear a hat to the movies. I never want my head to touch the back of the seat.

If I sit on the subway my head is usually an inch or two away from touching the seatback. I can stand on the train and never have to hold onto the poles. Sometimes during the winter, I’d keep my gloves on and grab a pole.

We’ve all had to use public restrooms. Some are clean. Most are grosser than gross. That’s why I always carried Purell. It is my camera, gym and Jansport bags. I was always afraid to wash my hands in Penn Station’s restroom after a show at Madison Square Garden. Who isn’t? Thankfully many of these places have auto flush. But walking into them wearing rubber gloves would have been a nice touch. I do that now when I take my walks in public parks. Of course, some have closed their bathrooms. Using the ATM is another time to always wear gloves. Same with signing your name on the credit card machines in stores.

The bottom line, pandemic, or not gloves is an important protective measure. I may use them forever.

Prior posts are here.

Pandemic Watch: Back to the City

Pandemic Watch: Back to the City

“Pandemic Watch: Facial expressions,”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/06/29/939

“Pandemic Watch: What will we do with our masks and gloves at the end?”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/06/22/pandemic-watch-what-will-we-do-with-our-masks-and-gloves-at-the-end

Pandemic Watch, Staying in Shape,”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/06/17/pandemic-watch-staying-in-shape

“Pandemic Watch: Community groups stepping up,”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/06/15/pandemic-watch-community-groups-stepping-up

“Pandemic Watch: Have masks replaced fuzzy dice in windshields?”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/06/09/pandemic-watch-have-masks-replaced-fuzzy-dice-in-windshields

“Pandemic Watch: How will we be entertained?”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/06/08/pandemic-watch-how-will-we-be-entertained

“Pandemic Watch: Communicating via video,”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/06/03/pandemic-watch-communicating-via-video

“Single Life,”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/06/02/pandemic-watch-single-life

“Pandemic Watch: Seniors and lifesaving phone calls during the pandemic or other times,”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/06/01/pandemic-watch-seniors-and-lifesaving-phone-calls-during-the-pandemic-or-other-times

“Pandemic Watch: There are places I remember.”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/05/28/pandemic-watch-there-are-places-i-remember

“Pandemic Watch: Creating a new fashion statement,”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/05/27/pandemic-watch-creating-a-new-fashion-statement

“Pandemic Watch: Sitting on your stoop,”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/05/26/pandemic-watch-sitting-on-your-stoop

“Pandemic Watch: What does a four-year-old think about our situation?”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/05/21/pandemic-watch-what-does-a-four-old-think-about-our-situation

“Pandemic Watch: Will my nephew ever know how good it was?”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/05/19/pandemic-watch-will-my-nephew-ever-know-how-good-it-was

“Pandemic Watch: What will happen when I get released on parole?”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/05/15/pandemic-watch-what-will-happen-when-i-get-released-on-parole

“Pandemic Watch: We live in interesting times,”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/05/14/pandemic-watch-we-live-in-interesting-times

“Pandemic Watch: Dressing during the Covid-19 pandemic,”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/05/13/pandemic-watch-dressing-during-the-covid-19-pandemic

“Pandemic Watch: Yes, it is Monday,”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/05/11/pandemic-watch-yes-it-is-monday

“How skills I learned as a teen in the scouts help during the Covid-19 pandemic, “

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/05/04/how-skills-i-learned-as-a-teen-in-the-scouts-help-during-the-covid-19-pandemic

“How the Covid-19 pandemic causes us to rethink old habits,”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/04/30/how-the-covid-19-pandemic-causes-us-to-rethink-old-habits

“Traveling on public transit and being outside during the Covid-19 pandemic,” https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/04/29/traveling-on-public-transit-and-being-outside-during-the-covid-19-pandemic

“Grocery shopping during Covid-19. Or anytime,” https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/04/28/grocery-shopping-during-covid-19-or-anytime

“I want to help restaurants during the pandemic. But…,”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/04/27/i-want-to-help-restaurants-during-the-pandemic-but

“Masks and gloves,” https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/03/30/608

“Trashy Parks,”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/01/07/trashy-parks

Marc and Alana arrived at the camp’s headquarters. They held each other by the pond. Marc’s Bluetooth speaker played the camp mix — “Pulling Mussels from the Shell,” “Come Together,” “Baba O’Reilly,” “Heartbreak Beat,” “Love will tear us apart,” “Rock Lobster” and many other tunes.

Marc lit the fire as Anat’s BMW pulled up. Alana and Marc were still on their guard. If they had to fight her again, they would. The fire was down to nice grey and orange coals. Marc tossed burgers and dogs on the grill and passed out Cherikee Red soda. The meat came from a supermarket inspired by Marc’s leader. The ladies never sipped this beverage. They commented on its sweetness. That’s when Marc said it was sweet they all together by the fire creating a plan to save the world from Jay.

The three were making idle chat over their meal. Marc called everyone to order. The two ladies put down their sodas and stood at attention. Marc laughed. For the next two hours, the three spoke like military planners.

Alana said it was time for a break and they should sing by the fire. Marc started singing his favorite campfire song, “Smokey the Bear.” The ladies joined in. Then they were tired of it. Marc kept singing it. Marc found himself covered wine and raisins. He just shut up and didn’t launch pomegranates or honey. He figured this was “friendly fire.”

They regrouped. They decided they would look for pieces of glass on the ground. They knew it was all over. But they would look for what type it was. They knew most of Jay’s glass came from beer and alcoholic spirits bottles. If they saw a lot of that type of glass they would report into each other where it was. They would try to search the area. They knew they had to look in vacant lots, parks and search around closed stores.

Things were going well. Marc brought out the Freihoffers and marshmallows. The music played on. The fire was crackling. It was almost as if a few friends got together.

Marc was more tuned to the sounds of the woods than the two women. Marc heard a low grunt. He hadn’t heard that sound in decades. He looked Alana and Anat. He had a puzzled look on this face. Anat immediately asked what was wrong. Marc said he sensed they had a visitor. The two ladies got right up into fighting stance. Marc said, “No, no. Not Jay. I think the Woodsman is lurking.”

The women shook. He said not to worry. The camp had its usual wildlife — Squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, deer and bears. Deer were often seen in the early morning. Marc told the women everything was safe. He said if I am right a herd of buffalo is going to join us. That means the Woodsman isn’t far behind.

All of a sudden buffalo surrounded them. Out from behind a tree came an old bearded man who resembled a lumberjack. According to the legends told by the fire, he is hundreds of years old. Rarely is he seen. Marc met him once when he was 12.

Legend has it he lives in the woods. He’s been there for centuries. He is working on building a cabin. He hopes to finish it.

While not working on the cabin he tends to his garden. He’s kept the grounds safe for as long as anyone can remember. He only comes out when he needs to. He travels with buffalo and has special relations with the mighty and holy animals. No one even knows the Woodsman’s proper name.

Marc stood up out of respect, as the Woodsman walked to the fire. He took a hot dog off the grill. He grabbed a bottle of the Cherikee Red and sat down to eat. He smiled the whole time.

When he finished his meal, he looked at the three. He said, “I watched your fights at the throne and dam. You fight well. I’ve been watching Marc for years. The three of you are stronger together beyond your wildest imagination. But your enemy has powers, too. Stay together.”

The Woodsman took another bottle of Cherikee Red, called to the buffalo and disappeared into the woods.

Anat hadn’t visited Jerry in several days. She went back to the child center. Jerry jumped into her arms. He was very happy. So was Anat. There were no updates on her application to take him home.

She spoke with Ann about how well things were going with Dan. Anne smiled. Anat exited the center and started walking toward her apartment. Alana was exiting her aunt’s house and started walking downtown. She saw Anat. She screamed her name. Anat heard Alana’s scream. She looked right at Alana. Both ladies remained on their guard. Alana told Anat she looked nice. This eased the encounter. Anat smiled.

Alana asked if she knew anything about Jay. To which Anat knew nothing.

The two stood in dead silence for a few moments. Anat said it was interesting how they teamed together a few weeks ago to stop Jay. Alana agreed and asked Anat if she’d be willing to go back to Marc’s camp to plot out a plan to take out Jay. Anat nodded yes. A date was set.

The two ladies went their separate ways. Alana texted Marc. He said he’d get the food. They would be leaving in two days.

The ride up to camp was easy for all. They parked near the museum. Marc had a fire going. He and Alana spent the whole ride up discussing how they would interact with Anat, who spent her ride meditating to the sounds of Siouxsie and the Banshees. At this point, they were willing to be friendly with her. It was doubtful they’d ever really become friends. But close enough to keep people safe from a nut job.

Jen got home from the urgi center. The doctor cleaned her wounds. Luckily she didn’t need stitches. She cried in Jake’s arms for a few minutes. Then bathed Benjamin.

Marc heard his phone play the “It’s the end of the world as we know it” text tone. He hadn’t heard from Jen in ages. He grabbed his phone and read her message. It was an abbreviated version of her recent experience. Somehow she knew Marc would know about the “glass guy.” She mentioned her peaceful run-in with Anat. Marc tossed the phone to Alana. She looked back at Marc and smiled. The two knew they would probably have to meet with Anat. They weren’t against it. But didn’t want to. They know she helped them in the camp when they captured Jay. They debated whether they should contact her and set up a meeting. They weren’t going to contact her. But decided if Alana saw Anat delivering groceries to Aunt Solica, Alana would ask.

Where to meet? Marc usually liked to meet people along Museum Mile. Sometimes he’d have them meet at the Guggenheim. He is a member. He always felt being surrounded by great art made things go easier. Then Marc remembered his camp has a museum. It is closed for the summer due to Covid-19. Marc was on its board. He could go anytime.

They could go back and meet there. He doubted Jay would go back. He thought he was too busy making a mess around NYC. Maybe Marc could build a fire and they could meet over burgers and dogs. He would serve Cherikee Red soda. As much as he wanted to sip a Genny Cream Ale, he thought it was better to meet without alcohol.

Alana and Marc went for a walk down Queens Boulevard. They noticed broken glass all over.

 

 

Readers have said they miss my blogs. That’s great to hear. I’m excited if just one person reads these posts. I am still writing. I’m concentrating more on the graphic novel I’ve been working on for a long time. You can read it at https://wordpress.com/view/mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com. One day, I will illustrate. Anyone know a good illustrator?

That being said, let’s go back to the city — NYC. Too many of us have been stuck in our outer-borough houses, apartments, etc.  We’ve been dreaming about going back to the City for simple stuff. Maybe just to walk around. Maybe to meet friends who live in Brooklyn and you live in Queens. Or maybe just to get away from the long and boring walks down Queens Boulevard.

June 22 hair salons were allowed to reopen. I believe my last haircut was Feb. 27. I texted the guy who has been cutting my hair at Astor Place for over a decade. He said, come at 12:30. I jumped on the M train. I wanted the R line. But the M came first. I didn’t want to spend too much time in the subway station. And the M line stops 5 minutes away from Astor Place. The R stops next to it. The extra five minutes was no big deal. The train ride was fun. There were very few people in each car. We were all masked.

Got to Astor Place. There were lots of us with hair that needed cutting. The store was very effective in handling the crowd. Safety was paramount.

After my hair was cut, I walked around a fairly empty Washington Square Park. Even the pigeon man wasn’t there. I was happy. He is fun to take photos of. But all those pigeons gross me out. I spent about 30 minutes in the park shooting the super green trees and colorful flowers. There were only two street performers. Usually, the park is chock full of them.

I walked over to the uptown R, got on, opened my kindle and went home. A week later I met my mom for pasta midtown and then walked over to Midtown Comics. I’ve been having my books delivered. But now that the stores are open wanted to show my support. I picked up an order and purchased more.  I walked over to a deli and got a sandwich for the next day and went into an empty Time Square Station and boarded the E line and went home.

I had one other city escapade, Bryant Park. I went to Tourneau to get the time reset on a watch. One day, I will figure out the crazy settings. I walked through an empty Times Square. When did we ever see that? Then I met mom at Rockefeller Center. We hung out. Then she went to the downtown R. I went uptown.

It was weird seeing all of these places so empty. I know some people are afraid to go out. I am. But I had to take the chance. I’m somewhat hopeful if we are very careful and take small steps we can bring things back. What I want back most is Yankee Stadium. Most of us watch most of our games on YES. But know going up to 161 Street is special.

Small steps. Stay safe.

Other posts can be found at.

“Pandemic Watch: Trashy Parks Part II”

mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/07/09/pandemic-watch-trashy-parks-part-ii/

“Pandemic Watch: Facial expressions,”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/06/29/939

“Pandemic Watch: What will we do with our masks and gloves at the end?”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/06/22/pandemic-watch-what-will-we-do-with-our-masks-and-gloves-at-the-end

Pandemic Watch, Staying in Shape,”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/06/17/pandemic-watch-staying-in-shape

“Pandemic Watch: Community groups stepping up,”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/06/15/pandemic-watch-community-groups-stepping-up

“Pandemic Watch: Have masks replaced fuzzy dice in windshields?”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/06/09/pandemic-watch-have-masks-replaced-fuzzy-dice-in-windshields

“Pandemic Watch: How will we be entertained?”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/06/08/pandemic-watch-how-will-we-be-entertained

“Pandemic Watch: Communicating via video,”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/06/03/pandemic-watch-communicating-via-video

“Single Life,”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/06/02/pandemic-watch-single-life

“Pandemic Watch: Seniors and lifesaving phone calls during the pandemic or other times,”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/06/01/pandemic-watch-seniors-and-lifesaving-phone-calls-during-the-pandemic-or-other-times

“Pandemic Watch: There are places I remember.”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/05/28/pandemic-watch-there-are-places-i-remember

“Pandemic Watch: Creating a new fashion statement,”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/05/27/pandemic-watch-creating-a-new-fashion-statement

“Pandemic Watch: Sitting on your stoop,”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/05/26/pandemic-watch-sitting-on-your-stoop

“Pandemic Watch: What does a four-year-old think about our situation?”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/05/21/pandemic-watch-what-does-a-four-old-think-about-our-situation

“Pandemic Watch: Will my nephew ever know how good it was?”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/05/19/pandemic-watch-will-my-nephew-ever-know-how-good-it-was

“Pandemic Watch: What will happen when I get released on parole?”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/05/15/pandemic-watch-what-will-happen-when-i-get-released-on-parole

“Pandemic Watch: We live in interesting times,”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/05/14/pandemic-watch-we-live-in-interesting-times

“Pandemic Watch: Dressing during the Covid-19 pandemic,”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/05/13/pandemic-watch-dressing-during-the-covid-19-pandemic

“Pandemic Watch: Yes, it is Monday,”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/05/11/pandemic-watch-yes-it-is-monday

“How skills I learned as a teen in the scouts help during the Covid-19 pandemic, “

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/05/04/how-skills-i-learned-as-a-teen-in-the-scouts-help-during-the-covid-19-pandemic

“How the Covid-19 pandemic causes us to rethink old habits,”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/04/30/how-the-covid-19-pandemic-causes-us-to-rethink-old-habits

“Traveling on public transit and being outside during the Covid-19 pandemic,” https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/04/29/traveling-on-public-transit-and-being-outside-during-the-covid-19-pandemic

“Grocery shopping during Covid-19. Or anytime,” https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/04/28/grocery-shopping-during-covid-19-or-anytime

“I want to help restaurants during the pandemic. But…,”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/04/27/i-want-to-help-restaurants-during-the-pandemic-but

“Masks and gloves,” https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/03/30/608

“Trashy Parks,”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/01/07/trashy-parks

 

Like everyone else, Jen was going stir crazy. She and Jake were trying to figure out how to keep Benjamin entertained. He had tons of toys. Too many. Sometimes his little cousins would come over to play. But he was restless.

Jen decided to take him for a walk along the Hudson. She let him tear the skin off a hot dog and wolf it down. Maybe he’d get ice cream. It would wind up on his shorts. They were strolling. Everything was fine. She was feeling more secure. Anat hadn’t attacked her in months. Maybe she gave up. Benjamin didn’t want to sit in his stroller. His walking was getting better each day.  The two sat on a bench with ice cream. Rather than it winding up all over his shorts, it splattered all over Jen’s new sundress. Oh well.

Benjamin jumped off the bench and ran off. Thankfully at this point, he wasn’t a marathon runner. Jen had no trouble chasing after him. She picked him and seated him back in the stroller and walked on. “Lady Stardust” was playing in her ear pods. She was feeling happier than she had in a few weeks. Must be the joy of getting out.

She smiled at other parents as they and their kids walked along. It seemed like all was right with the world. All of a sudden she heard a scream. She turned to see what happened and was nailed in the leg with a piece of broken glass. She started to bleed and fell to the ground. She was more worried about Benjamin. She pushed her dress onto her wound and clotted the bleeding. That dress was headed to the incinerator. She started to head home. She heard other people screaming. She figured those people were assaulted with glass. She was in pain. But didn’t think she needs stitches. She started to turn and got hit in the back with glass. The elderly woman a few steps ahead suffered the same fate. Jen managed to remain standing.

Jay was thrilled with himself. His escape from prison was too easy. He knew an APB was put out. But he didn’t care. With the NYPD preoccupied with the Covid-19 mess, he figured he’d get away with anything.

But he didn’t see a jogger passing by. Anat, the jogger was so entranced with her run and her Smiths mix that she didn’t hear any of the screams. But she saw Jen wobbling and an elderly woman on the ground. She knew from Dan that Jay escaped prison. It was expected to be a lead story on NY 1’s website and next broadcast. She saw him a few feet ahead.

She had no desire to fight. But she unleashed dozens of apricots, dates and raisins at Jay. He turned around and fired glass at her. He missed. Anat nailed him in the head. Jen was helping the old lady and watching Anat. She got scared. She was afraid she’d be her next target. Anat hit Jay a few more times. He fired back. But kept missing. He knew he shouldn’t have shot up before he went out. His vision was getting blurry. He started to run. Anat fired away. Jay made a turn and was out of Anat’s sight.

Anat looked right at Jen, who was bleeding. She saw how cute Benjamin is. In her heart, she now felt pleased that Alana stopped Anat’s attack on Jen when she about to give birth. Anat looked at Jen and smiled. She threw her unused towel over to her.

Jay was transferred to the Tombs. Diane was still in prison awaiting trial. Marc and Alana were back in Queens. Anat was back on the Upper East Side. She was taking Dan to La Masseria for lunch. She had so much she wanted to tell him. She felt for their relationship to develop she should open up about her life. Not her superpowers. The only people that knew of that were the ones she fought. She knew Marc and Alana would never open their mouths. They were not friends. But left camp on friendlier terms than they’d ever known.

On their ride home, Alana and Marc discussed what they should do about their relationship with Anat. They knew they’d bump into her again. At this point, they felt they would try not to fight her. They believe she didn’t want to fight them. Alana actually said she looked pretty. Marc nodded his head in agreement. She knew she would be testing Jerry. They wanted to test him. They planned to go back to visit Diane in prison. They knew they likely would not get to see Jay.

Anat and Dan had the outdoor seating at La Masseria to themselves. They ordered a bottle of white. Dan was a little nervous. In his mind, he knew he liked her. Dan usually dated the ladies that hung around cops and watched them play their softball and football games in the local parks. After the games, they’d usually go for beer and burgers. Or pizza. Anat is different. Sure, Dan went to nicer places. But he was more of a beer and burger guy. But there was something about Anat.

The two talked over some tasty mozzarella and tomato with oil and balsamic vinegar. Butter melted off their bread. They ordered gnocchi and ravioli Angelina. They toasted to the beginnings of a great relationship. Anat spoke of her troubled past. Earnestly Dan listened. He said he was impressed with how far she’s come and wants to be part of her next steps. Anat turned bright red. She picked up the check and they walked along 8^th Avenue.

Normally Dan would have hugged and kissed her. But he knew they were at different times. He looked her in the eyes and asked if he could kiss her. She got close to him and they locked lips.

Jay was getting ready for dinner in the prison’s mess hall. The inmates were sizing him up. He was in good shape. They gave him some looks. One went over and introduced himself to him. He was the leader of one of the prison gangs. Another gang leader came and threw a punch at Jay. He was caught off guard and took the punch. Then all of a sudden Jay unleashed glass from his fingers. He nailed the guy. All of a sudden a melee broke out. Prison guards did their best to stop it. But Jay was out of control. Two guards went down. Several prisoners were on the floor. He started running toward the exit. Two guards fired their weapons at him. He ran right into one and knocked him down. The other jumped back. Before Jay was a druggie he was a good football player. He also ran track. He ran right out of the prison.