'away'

On my way to a meeting about time abroad for students I overhear a guy talking to a friend in the metro. They haven't seen each other for some time. He's on his way to his dad, for a Sunday visit.

'I've been away for half a year, you know'

'oh, where to?' At the same time we think of destinations. Maybe Spain, working in a club, or else Morocco, back to his roots.

'I was in jail, not too bad you know. just chill, not the strict type, just here. Am in and out every few years you know. Have you?

'no'

I press my grin against the window and steel glances of their faces. One very confident, one very shy. When his friend gets off the latter looks relieved: he can now safely continue going to church.