Just moments ago I was driving along on Cap Hill in Seattle. I saw my friend Stacy walking down the street in the opposite direction I was traveling. I decided to quickly drive 2 more blocks, pull some money out of the ATM for my trip tomorrow morning to Alaska. I then headed back south on 14th to pick her up and drive her the short distance to her apartment—I also wanted to tell her that I got her email and would indeed keep my eyes peeled for a one bedroom apartment in the neighborhood (by the way, if anyone is renting in the Squire Park/South Capitol Hill area let me know). I slowed down, rolled down the window and shouted her last name. Stacy responded with a big smile and “well, hello”.
At this point there was a car behind me so I pulled over on 14th & E. Marion and jumped out to give Stacy a hug. It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other. It was a mutually warm but tentative hug.
Three sentences into our conversation I started doubting myself. Two more quick exchanges and I my head was seriously spinning. Why was Stacy asking me why I’m headed to Alaska tomorrow? I just explained this in email today. Is this even Stacy? Yes, it is … because it looks just like her. And she’s being nice to me. But it’s dark out and she’s wearing a hat. Hmmmm … awkward.
This is not Stacy. I’m telling her I need to go meet my brother. I call Stacy. That was not Stacy. I just hugged a complete stranger.
