who the hell can see forever?

Blue tank top, babydoll with a white pattern and a little laced-up keyhole neckline, and nothing but a cross to keep it company hanging from my neck. A cropped purple jacket, held together by nothing more than a silver chain, with a bag of the smallest kind pulling across diagonally as my jeans pulled my legs onto the sidewalk. My sandals resonated with the sidewalk as I hopped out of the gravel pit and looked up at the looming poster marking my location, one that made my side trip down the wrong side of the street all too embarrassing.

I headed up the stairs, not looking around, and heard something over my music. I turned to the left and immediately, out of habit, apologized and explained that I don't carry change, motioning toward a bag no larger than the breeze.

"I take pennies."

"I don't have any, sorry."

After half-assed attempts to pretend I was listening, I gave in and pulled the wires from my ears, finally able to hear him tell me how to actually get into the building. Turns out heading for the employee entrance is something people notice when you're young and wearing oversized sunglasses.

I paused, turned, and promised him change on the way back to the crowds and mess that would be (and was becoming) rush hour. I made my way through the museum slowly, glancing occasionally at my wallet and wondering how I could make bills become coins. 

I ran across the street to McDonald's and ordered a small coffee, for $1.10. Sorry, I only have bills. No, I don't have a dime. Thanks. The coins made tiny clicking noises as I dropped them into my pocket, grabbed two Splenda, and ignored an all-too-friendly man named Jack inside, who offered me a plane ticket to New York. I declined, probably because of the company.

I ran out, in an attempt to both escape the offer and make my way to a promise. I crossed the street when the lights were flashing white, dodging pebbles in the black tar as a bus sped right by, close enough to make me jump. I looked backward, looked forward, and realized there was nobody standing on the corner anymore.

I tossed the coins into my bag and opened up my phone. I was hungry, and clearly, I had no other plans.