27-47-58

I stop by work today to get something.

I'm feeling good. It's a beautiful day. Sunny. 60 degrees.

I'm wearing jeans, a white tee, an Iro biker jacket that I love, and my new haircut.

I see my friend Charlie; he's 27 and always teasing me about my age. At first I was offended, but now I think he's just angling to find out how old I really am. Given his youth, I must look ancient to him.

He puts his hand near my neck and says, "From here down you look 27." 

I laugh and say, "Well, what about from here up?" 

"48," he responds. I'm complimented.

I tell him I have a birthday coming up and he says, "Let me guess. 58?"  

I look at him with feigned shock and say, "You're right."

He smiles all proud of himself.

And I smile, grateful for the years he's erased.