For the Orphans

Memorandum

To: File

From: Frank Flounder

Date: 9/25/01

Subject: For the Orphans

I am headed to the pantry where there is a machine that makes instant coffee that tastes like fresh-brewed coffee. The office is still buzzing about yesterday's bomb scare. Paul, a colleague, intercepts me:

"You going to the fundraiser tomorrow?" he says. Paul is my age. Over the years, our bodies have developed the consistency of boiled veal. 

"Fundraiser?"

Paul scratches his stomach. It stretches taut against his shirt. 

"For the orphans," he says. 

Several weeks ago, a disaster struck our city that, apparently, created many orphans. My law firm has decided to hold a fundraiser by auctioning off artwork donated by the employees. The event will be heavily covered in our client newsletter. 

"I don't know," I say.

"Free booze," Paul says.

"Okay," I say.

F.F.