XXXIV: In Which Xander Does An Interview

“So, Thad. I understand you have an upcoming show. Can you tell us about that?” Xander asked.

“Yeah! We’re playing O’Flaherty’s on Friday the Fourth. It’s going to be one of our biggest shows yet. We’re playing with Figment of the Decade and Nancy Davis Druglords as our opening acts. It’s going to be fire!” Thad replied, getting hyped up.

“The show’s to promote your new album, ‘Kanashibari’, correct? Can you tell us about the meaning behind that title?”

“Yeah, oh congratulations on your pronunciation, by the way.” Thad seemed stoked.

“Oh, that? Well my sister studied Japanese and I kind of learned some of the basics by osmosis. But, back to your album?” Xander steered the interview back where it belonged.

“Well, it’s the Japanese term for Sleep Paralysis, which has been a big influence on my life and music. I’ve been dealing with the Night Hag since I was about eleven or twelve. We’re old friends at this point. On this album, I try to convey the sheer terror of the early days when I didn’t have much of an understanding of Kanashibari. It’s powerful stuff for me, and I hope it is for our fans as well.”

“What would you say to the critics who say you’re too political on your songs and at your shows?” Xander followed up.

“I’d say they haven’t listened to Nancy Davis Druglords yet. But seriously, they need to get their heads out of the sand and pay attention. Silence only benefits the oppressor. But really, music is a political force. Always has been, always will be.” Thad replied.

Xander finished out the interview, filling up about an hour of audio on his phone. Thank God for One-twenty-eight Gigabyte MicroSD cards. Thad headed out and Xander had just enough time to stop by Kaldi’s for a drink before meeting up with the guys from Mystik Spiral to discuss scheduling upcoming shows and practices.

“Hi Jane! How’s your day?” He said, walking up to the counter.

“Good! Busy for the holiday, but it’s been good.”

“You’re gonna be able to make it to Ron’s party tonight, right? It wouldn’t be the same without you there.” Xander asked.

“Oh yeah. I normally have Soo Bakh Do class on Mondays, but they canceled this week so the kids can go trick-or-treating and us adults can go to parties. Oh, speaking of the party, I’m going to try a little test with my ‘gift’ and pick up sodas and juice on the way. See if I can still get everyone’s drinks right if they aren’t there. No, Xander, I’m not getting you any craft beer. It’s a dry party on account of Sam. Now take your Cereal Milk Latté and sit down.” Jane smirked at him.

Xander sat in a free seat and sipped his oat-milk and brown sugar latté. He’d actually never tried it before but it hit just that right spot he needed today; milky, sweet, with a nice twang of nostalgia.

“Get away from us! You don’t belong in here.” A man in a black and green wizard’s robe wit a snake crest suddenly shouted.

“I'm not asking anybody for money.” Another man in torn blue jeans and a coat too heavy for the mild autumn weather said meekly. “I just need a place to sit and rest my feet.”

“Well you can’t rest here, you’re dirty and you smell like piss.” The man was practically screaming at him, with his similarly dressed girlfriend backing him up.

The man got up from the chair and started toward the door with his head down. Without even thinking, Xander jumped up from his chair and strode over to the wizards.

“Hey, you can’t treat my guest that way.” He walked past them and over to the other man. “C’mon, let me buy you that coffee I promised you.” He really was dirty and smelled a little.

“He’s not your f*****g guest and he doesn’t belong in here among decent people.” The wizard got in Xander’s face.

“Hey! What is this now?” Ahmed came from the manager’s office and around the counter with Jane in tow.

“That guy’s stench is offending my girlfriend. I want him thrown out!”

“This man was harassing my guest. We were just about to have coffee together.” Xander said smoothly, though his heart was still pounding.

Ahmed looked at them both, then turned. “Jane, what did you see?”

“That man,” She pointed at the wizard. “Started harassing the other man out of nowhere, shouting in the store.”

“Then it is you who will have to leave my store.” He looked at the couple.

“What?” The man looked like he’d just been told bigfoot was real. “You’re kicking us out and letting some junkie stay? That’s total bullshit!”

“You have one minute to grab your possessions before I phone the police.” Ahmed took out his phone.

“Fine! F**k you!”

“We’re never coming here again!” His girlfriend chimed in.

“I will take that as a promise.”

Once the two had left, Ahmed turned to the other man. “Sir, I am sorry to say I also cannot allow you to sit in the café as you are.”

“I understand. Not many places want me scaring away business.” The man hung his head and started again for the door.

Xander felt crushed, but realized there was nothing he could do. He’d made his only play.

“No, you do not understand.” Ahmed stopped him. “My home is not far. I will take you there where you may shower, then I will give you some of my clothes and we will come back here while my wife Malaika cleans and mends your clothing.”

“Why?” Was all the man could say. Xander himself was stunned. He’d never seen such spontaneous generosity.

“Because Allah commands it.”

Breathe, Alex. Slow breaths. Count to ten in, Count to ten out. Come on, girl. Five things you can see. My bed, my desk, my laptop, my underwear on the floor, the carpet. Four things you can hear…