One Way

I was walking along a San Francisco street the other day with a friend when a guy stopped us to ask directions. I pulled out my phone while my compatriot gave general directions. "Just go to Market Street, walk down, you'll see it. You know, it's sort of over there-ish . . . "

The man semi-thanked us and seemed about to go on his way. Then he paused. "Are you for the redistribution of wealth?" he broached, off-handedly, as if he were commenting on the weather.

I was a bit taken aback. "That's a pretty general question, isn't it?" I asked.

He seemed confused that I might think so. "No . . . " he hedged.

I continued, "I mean, what wealth, and to who?"

"Oh, all of it."

"Like Robin Hood?" I queried. He looked blank. "Robin Hood?" I repeated.

"Oh, yeah! Exactly." And then he handed us each a flyer, and said, "It's going to happen soon. You're the 59th person I've given this flyer to. Everyone's excited about it."

I wasn't sure what to say, so I paused a moment. He added, "Anyway, I'm on my way to the Apple store. You said turn right on Market, right?"

He walked away.

I shouted after him, "Enjoy the Apple Store!"