The senior citizen white guy
walked into the breakfast area
of the motel passing a thirty-
something black guy with dread-
locks. The white guy said, “It’s
going to be a hot one out there
today; stay cool,” then wondered
if that might be misunderstood —
second guessing in race relations
being like an involuntary muscle
twitch. The white guy walked to-
ward the Styrofoam cups while
the black guy motioned that the
Styrofoam plates were in another
place probably thinking the senior
citizen had lost his way — a nice
gesture. There had been no mis-
understanding. The white guy
got his coffee and headed to the
elevator passing the black guy.
He said, “Have a nice day.” The
black guy said, “You, too.” Some-
times it goes well.