Hampton & Rabbit : The Paradox of NYC (excerpt)
The “Where you gonna run to” lyrics of Felix’s ‘Sinnerman’ re-loop.
Verōnika, the patron saint of photography is upstairs. That’s where he goes.
Verōnika’s ceiling reaches infinitely. Wide apertures of windows allow flattering light to run through the grand European style dining room.
Hamish walks through the bar and past the hostess who looks up and through him. She then nods her head down ignoring him as if he were a ghost as she returns to prodding into a tablet with her index fingers.
The dining room reminds Hamish of the paradox that is New York City: so many people jammed up against each other creates obstacles for them to meaningfully connect. Two-by-two close seating construction is the perfect example. For the very purpose of commerce, everyone is seated too intimately next to a stranger and in opposing-party style to their guest.
As he walks the aisle between the tables he feels like a Dark Knight in a Battlestar commanding an array of minions seated at their controls. Angry that he does not see Amanda, he pulls out a light saber and swipes it through the legs of the low sitting dining chairs as he makes large strides through the room and out again.
“The Paradox of NYC” is an excerpt from “Hampton & Rabbit”, the novella. Available to read on request.
