Archive for August 5th, 2006

My Buddy Anton

Last time I saw Anton was about a year ago on the street in front of the Bar. He crossing one way, I the other, and we stopped and had a conversation in the middle of the street.

Anton was looking to get Something from someone, and dodging someone else because he owed them money.

I was looking to get Something from someone, and dodging someone else because I owed them money.

Funny thing was the person I looked to get something from was the person he owed money to, while he looked to get Something from the dude I owed money to.

We recognized, in the friendliest way possible, that we presented a Liability to one another’s plans for the evening, so — with a good laugh, a high-5 & a round of ‘good lucks!’ — we quickly parted ways.

And that was the last time I saw my buddy Anton. He died yesterday.

The brain starts to Cut Deals with itself, when a friend dies. Like, ‘Hmm. How close was I with this buddy Anton?’ As in, how upset should I be that he died?

Me & Anton were buddies. I liked the kid a hell of a lot. So I should be upset. But I hadn’t seen him in awhile. So I don’t need to be devastated. Right?

Maybe. But it feels achey & Wrong.

I have friends who’re closer with Anton. I just spoke with one on the phone. I hoped to learn more news from him. My buddy on the phone hadn’t heard any news about Anton for awhile. I had to tell him that our friend had died.

Anton was tall & kind of goofy. He was always happy to see a friend. Every time I ran into him he made a point to ask me how my writing was going. Anton cared. I appreciate that.

Gonna miss him.