Arnon Grunberg

Déjà vu

Old friend

Yesterday afternoon I went to Jeffrey to buy a pair of pants.
Ivan, a salesperson, greeted me as an old friend.
I have known Ivan since 2004. Ivan even sends me Christmas cards and sometimes leaves messages on my voicemail regarding all kinds of opportunities I should not miss.
After I found a decent pair of pants Ivan offered me a leather jacket, a blazer and two vests.
I had a déjà vu and I expected him to offer me a carpet as well.
But all he did was showing me a bag. He said: “Don’t you think this is a beautiful bag?” “Yes,” I answered, “but I don’t need a bag.”