He had packed one collared shirt. Although he would spend five days in 

New York

, he would only need to dress up for one of the days. The operation would need to happen swift.

The plan was to get it over with the next day. His phone rang. It made him nervous. He knew why the person was calling.

He chose not to pick it up. They'd probably ring again later. Or maybe he would get the courage to call them back himself. He wished there was a minibar there. He could use a scotch right then.

Keith grabbed his phone. Looked and waited to see if a text would come in. Nothing.

Later outside he rang the number back.

"So you're in the city now?"

"Yes."

"We're still on for tomorrow. Seven?"

"Yes. Is that okay for you?"

"Tomorrow evening, I'm all yours."

Keith spent the rest of the evening walking around. Stopping into bars and having a drink and going back out. He didn't talk to a single soul besides an occasional remark about something. He was completely alone.

A city with over eight million people was his favorite place to be alone. Nobody bothered you. Sounds and lights surrounded you. You were consumed in stimuli.

He returned to his room just before midnight. In his hand was a four pack of 16 oz beers. He didn't drink a single one before brushing his teeth and falling asleep.

The next day he shaved using a safety razor. Had breakfast with drip coffee at a diner. Visited a

Muji

store where he bought some pens and notebooks. And then killed time walking around watching people until evening came.

The sun was setting earlier. It was already dark. After putting on deodorant and his collared shirt, he made his way to an address texted to him.

When the door opened he was surprised.

"You look nice."

"You too, Jackie."

"Come in."

Inside she offered him tea. He accepted. Darjeeling. Usually he avoided caffeine at this hour. But he figured he'd need the energy boost for the night's operation.

"So are you ready? You look ready." Jackie said. "I never thought I'd see you in a collared shirt."

Keith smiled. Drank some tea.

"I think you'll like this opera. It's supposed to be a good one."

"Thanks for inviting me."

"No problem. Howcome it's been this long since we've seen each other?"

Keith jokingly pointed up into space. But said, "oh you know. Life."

"So how long have you been back now?"

"Couple years. But it feels like I just came back last month or something."

"Has it always felt like that?"

"No actually. For the past year or so I've mostly felt settled back in. Got into a groove at work. Found a cafe to go to. Stuff like that."

"And now?"

"I don't know. An old part of me. The guy who was up there," Keith pointed up towards to ceiling again, "that guy is back. But I'm down here. On earth."

Jackie said nothing. Listened. Tried to understand.

"It's hard to explain. Anyways, what's been your story?" Keith asked. Took another sip of the perfectly brewed Darjeeling.