Farewell from the Amazon
by Jackson Porter
The smoke-filled room and the stale smell of alcohol made me light-headed and desperate to get out.
“Honey it’s late, let's get a cab and go home.”
“Just a few more minutes, Heather, you’ll be fine.”
I was getting tired of it. The balls, the parties, the dozens of distinguished guests whose names and faces were all now one giant beige blur. What’s the point? None of them could provide me the same comfort as the king-sized mattress that was waiting for us in our own apartment.
“And one thing you don’t realize is just how arid Cairo really is.”
Oh boy, Mr. Stampoli with another one of his great travel anecdotes. Of course Cairo is arid, it's in the middle of a goddamn desert.
“I’m sorry Heather but am I boring you?
Oh crap.
“My apologies,” I said through a big yawn, “I think this week is starting to get to me.”
“Don’t take it personally, Mr. Stampoli,” my husband jumped in, “You could be revealing the secrets of the universe and she’d be equally as bored,” he finished as the room gave out a light chuckle.
He wasn’t wrong though. Sure, knowing the inner workings of the vast and ever-expansive inconceivable universe could be intriguing. But, if those secrets had to be revealed from the mouth of Mr. Stampoli, I think I’d get more meaning out of watching alley rats fight for dumpster scraps.
“I’m going to go use the ladies' room real quick,” I announced, setting my half-finished drink down on the marble table to my right.
“Don’t be too long, I’ve got a fascinating story about the Amazon for you next,” Stampoli shouted with a grin as I opened the door.
“As long as it’s not as ‘arid’ as that last story, I’m all ears!” I let out, shutting the door quickly.
A muffled roar of laughter echoed from behind the door. I felt bad, a little. The main room was a lot cooler. It felt good on the forehead and armpits especially. Stepping outside, I was met by the crisp winter breeze. My feet were swelling in the high heels. I hailed the nearest cab and stepped in. The cheap leather seats felt so much better on my back than the rickety mahogany chairs provided tonight. I could slouch as much as I wanted inside here too, instead of having to be some perfect statuette that didn’t mind their ass being stiff as a board after fifteen minutes.
The cab’s calm rumblings lulled me into a trance. I closed my eyes and dreamt of the Amazon.
