In Numbly Firs

"Remember the villas?" Taxman says with a glint in his eyes.

Taxman begins:

We were about to get in the car when I had the idea of climbing the roofs of the villas. I found it fun to climb the walls and hop on the roofs.

I began to remember everything.

The villas is a rich residential neighborhood. All of them look the same. High walls, terraces and red roof tiles.

Taxman led the way. He began climbing a wall and was soon on the roof. I followed.

Taxman and I were jumping from one roof to another, laughing and giggling at our situation.

At that height one can see the contour of the land going up and down, roads crisscrossing here to there.

Taxman was already far ahead. I needed to catch up.

But a few moments later, I heard a "wheee!" and saw Taxman sliding down a roof.

I jumped fast as possible to the spot and slid down. Taxman was gone.

I began walking around the neighborhood looking for him. There wasn’t a sign of him anywhere.

"I was hiding from you." Taxman said, giggling .

I walked by a house, the gate was open and there were people around the driveway. They were nannies with their children.

I asked if they saw someone with Taxman’s description passing by, they shook their heads.

I looked around then went back to the clubhouse parking. Taxman’s car was still there.

I got to the car. I found a sleeping Taxman. I shook him to wake up. I told him of my search around the villas for him. Taxman just nodded his head.

"Please take me home. You can stay over if you want to." Taxman said.

I got in the car and drove to his place. He snored all the way.

Taxman’s home is in the outskirts of the city. Its a hilly area, quite steep. Most of the homes are nestled on the hills. The roads are usually isolated.

One thing’s for sure you get a lot of privacy here.

We soon reach his home. His house is very modern, very minimalist. It has a wonderful view of the area.

I parked the car in the driveway. I helped Taxman in the house.

Inside the house, everything was lit. A girl came towards us. The girl looked attractive with black hair, fair skin. She has this aura of happiness around her. A wonderful smile.

Taxman saw her they approached and talked. He then introduced us.

Her name’s Gen. She dropped by to discuss some business with Taxman, but seeing his condition that will have to wait.

Gen helped me to put Taxman in his room.

After laying Taxman on his bed. Gen asked if she could drop me somewhere, knowing that I came with Taxman’s car and no ride home. That was fine with me especially in my condition.

"I could drop you somewhere." Gen asked. " How about some coffee?"

"That would be fine." I said." You know a place?"

Gen smiled, nodding her head.

I wrote a brief note for Taxman thanking him for his hospitality and that I’ll be going ahead with Gen.

Gen brought me to what looks like a renovated gazebo. It was all green. Gen told me it was an ice cream parlor.

The building was old, as the area was. A pre war commercial district.

We had ice cream and coffee. We talked I told her I was in between jobs.

"You and Taxman are ...?" I asked implying some intimacy.

Gen just shook her head, smiling. " Taxman supports our group. We are a multi-media troupe."