Here we are, suddenly face to face. I’m not sure if I invaded his space or if he invaded mine, but we are definitely close. Is he black? Or white? He’s obviously both, but which is the primary? And why is he just staring at me? He’s small. Not tiny, but definitely diminutive. I wonder what he’s thinking of me? [...]

I hope one day I learn to party like Papa Jack. I first met him as he thrust a glass of beer in my hand. “No, thank you,” I objected. “You must have a beer.” “But I don’t drink.” “Tonight you do.” With that he turned and walked away, back toward the party. We laughed. After all, we were here [...]