Kristian MichailIt's 2017. I'm 23. I am reading a book in a Barcelona nightclub.
The book is titled "Free Woman. Free Men." Thumping techno is playing and scribbling the book’s margins with a pen. The first to arrive at the club, I needed to fill the time. Two hours pass reading and I am feeling in my prime. I can't put the book down. It's a gripping read. La Paglia, the author, is a completely different breed. As the club gets busy, I have zero interest in the action. I continue reading the book with little distraction. Five women approach me. Three buy me a drink. They want to know my name and understand how I think. How bizarre. I have stumbled upon a glitch. I could probably sell this technique to horny men and make myself rich. They try to lure me away. They try to make me dance. But me putting down the book, there is no fucking chance.
Human behaviour. My greatest obsession. This strange encounter teaches me a lesson. When you do what you love instead of doing what they please. Life gives you more options than you have the chance to seize. The club was dead. So I whipped out a book. Moments later I am completely hooked. For the first time in my life, I become like a piece of meat. So I put my feet up and take the backseat. One lady that was married asks to take me home. She is ready to go like a dog on a bone. I say "Thanks for the drink. I am reading my book." Never have I seen a woman give me that look. Stunned by my response. She can't work it out. This kind of parity is what the book was all about. Free Woman. Free Men. Free Humans. Amen.