Crack my bones and set the table, because gold and blood never looked so good. “Today’s a feast,” they all say. The first day in too many they all say. My phone in one hand, passport in the other. The younger, the blonder, the richer, the better. Hollywood stared at them and desperation at me. And I used to think caution was a word overused and dignity not enough. But the mind is a curious thing. Sunglasses can’t protect us from darkness and most others aren’t Lakers fans. But now, even a fan would be superfluous. Because I am a sweating salamander and the desert my cage. With a pet store price too high to pay.