Jokerface

Did she dare to tell you the truth?

Photo by Daniel Adesina on Unsplash

I asked her many questions that first day in the coffee shop — but she wouldn’t tell me her name.

She stirred her tea and didn’t meet my eyes. “You don’t know how this game works,” she said, a hint of frustration in her voice. “I’ve been playing for years. And the names are the most important part.”

“Why are they so important?” I asked.

“Names are power. The sooner you realize that, the safer you’ll be.”

Then she stood up and offered her hand.

“Come on. I’ll show you the truth, James.”

I didn’t ask how she knew my name.