subway dispatch

someone is playing their loud video game on their phone so i do what i always do and start scrolling through the sounds of MY phone, lingering on the most obnoxious one, repeating it everytime they kill someone or jump over a barrel or catch the phoenix. the young black kid next to me takes out his earbuds and gives me a look.  
‘sorry,’ i say. 'i can’t stand those fucking video games. it’s so rude.’ 
'oh. i thought it was me and maybe my headphones weren’t plugged in all the way.’ he’s checking the jack.  
'no, no. sorry. i’m just adding to the problem, aren’t i? i should be more zen - just let it go.’ 
the kid says, 'naw!!! this is new york and that shit IS annoying. that zen shit is some brooklyn hipster shit.’

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