October 31, 2023:

High fire season.

Santa Ana time, inches from desert.

A firefighter died here. In 2003. Fighting the apocalypse started by a lost, panicked hiker in the canyon 100 yards west.

It's always fire season, nowadays. Artifact of greed, the Devil, and your own sense of failure.

October 30, 2023:

He's much, much older — and he wants a kiss. How is that appropriate? It's just friendly, a old world gesture of closeness. In American terms it feels exploitative. Afterwards you wipe your mouth on your sleeve.

October 29, 2023:

Your former Big Brother's adult daughter chats as she helps you pack. She has her own trip coming soon: Greece. The two of you grow enthusiastic as the others leave the room. With hands friendly on each others' backs, there could be a kiss soon.