this morning #2170.

this morning, there were already five of us bellied up to the bar. regulars. as close to sober as we were going to be for the rest of the day. i was in my usual seat. down at the end with my pint. facing toward the door so i could see everyone who entered & immediately determine: friend or foe or neutral? for about an hour, it was just the bartender & us five. then this couple burst in. light from outside & loud cackle laughs. all at once, our five heads turned to observe the interruption. they instantly shut up & the dude gave us a cautious, friendly wave. the bartender responded with a “good morning you two! c’mon in. pull up a seat.” no way was she going to let our territorial nature get in the way of her getting paid.