Day 35.

we read this (METAFICTION!!) and then mike told us to write a story where the main character is the man in the rain with a banana, but at some point, he becomes aware that he is a character. Or something. i might have misinterpreted. but uh, i really love stories that explore that angle. (stranger than fiction, city of angels)

A man walks in the rain, eating a banana. He thinks of his mom, the conversation they just had. No son of mine is *gay*, she spits, and slams the door.
Then, she opens it, and gives him a banana. To keep your potassium up, she adds, and her voice cracks on "potassium." He knows later he'll have to go back and negotiate getting his stuff. He thinks about when he will go, when she will be gone. For now, he worries only about catching the bus, because it always comes early on Wednesdays, when the bus driver allows himself a doubleshot espresso. The man waits at the bus stop, tracing with his hand the kind way the raindrops course through the bench slats. A distant screeching, a smell of rubber and motor oil, warns him the bus is approaching. He waves it down and steps up to put his fare in.
"I'm not going to say that," he says, face turned to the sky.
What do you mean you're not going to say it? You're my character. Now shut up and charact.
The bus driver sighs. No food on the bus, sir.
The man again: "I swear to god I'm not being the mouthpiece for your shitty lines. You can't make me!" He yells at some vague point in the distance.
I'm the *author*!!
"My mother would be a better author!"
I WROTE HER!
"I'm not saying it." The man's tone is final.
It's symbolic. Just say it. Say it or the bus runs you over here and now.
The bus driver waits, unsure for once, hand on the accelerator.
"Fine," the man mumbles. He turns to the bus driver-- "I will fight for my right to eat bananas. On this bus, or anywhere!"
The bus driver looks completely lost.
The man looks resigned. "See, you've confused him. A banana is a terrible metaphor for homosexuality."
Stop talking to me and let me have you tell this story already!
"Alright, alright!" The man tosses his banana peel in the sidewalk trashcan and makes his way to the only open seat.
Thank you. Goddamn, was that so hard.