They were learning that New York had another life, too _ subterranean, like almost everything that was human in the city _ a life of writers meeting in restaurants at lunchtime or in coffee houses after business hours to talk of work just started or magazines unpublished, and even to lay modest plans for the future. Modestly they were beginning to write poems worth the trouble of reading to their friends over coffee cups. Modestly they were rebelling once more.

I may just be on the outskirts of being okay.

Is that the biggest favor your vocal cords have done to anyone this week?

An advice is truly valuable when people not just give it their ears but also their obedience.

And besides_._._. I don__ want to leave you. Er, you guys.__e smiled, and it lit up his whole face. __ell, __e_ are certainly happy to hear that. Oh, and I__ also happy to watch our darling little love child dragon while you__e in St. Louis.__ grinned back.

Of course, to avoid getting stuck in that convo with someone you dislike or feel uncomfortable around, don't be passive, be proactive. Do not let them direct your interaction on their terms, do it on yours. Ask a Misdirection Question--something too difficult to answer quickly--e.g., 'What's Congress up to?' or 'You ever learn any cool science?' When you ask the question, don't make eye contact, keep moving and get out of there. Do not wait for a response and deny ever asking it. Repeat these actions until you are never again spoken to by that individual (about four times).