Looking back, he really couldn't think of anything that he'd change. It's a futile struggle when one resorts to taking up arms against regret.

Standing on the street corner waiting for a taxi, the bitter cold turned his face and hands a deep red. Taxis kept passing, but with passengers, and he was frustrated. Work was waiting for him across streets and neighborhoods buildings that reached towards the sky. Giving directions to a location in a language not fully grasped is a challenge that must be confronted every day, every ride. He speaks, and the car goes. The red, two door car is going in the right direction. Crack the window, light a smoke.

Arrival at the office and a quick glance around lets our hero know he's practically alone. Might as well take this chance to fire up the computer and see what gives. Email. Websites geared for entertainment. The creak and snap of a door opened and closed. Arrivals. Hellos. A mix of Chinese and English fills the air. Might be time to begin, but not before a cigarette is consumed.

Tea. Coffee. Cookies. Drinking, eating. All are done while words are being spoken between people trying to figure things out. It's not much of a blur for our hero, because he's actually paying attention this time. Write a note depicting a good point. Remember it and attempt to make it your own. Break? Sure. Take ten. Time to hit the head.

Progress. It's slowly accumalating until office staff arrive with take away containers of food. Scent fills the room and mouths begin to water. A 'ding' lets all know that the rice is ready. Fried vegetables, fried tofu....pork, chicken, rice, chopsticks. Lunch is done and a full gut makes work hard. What is needed is a nap. What is needed is an afternoon off. Time for another smoke. After sex and after a meal. Must smoke times, he likes to call them. Must smoke times. Must smoke. Yellow residue on stained teeth. It was the coffee, leave the smokes out of it. Run like hell, the sun is setting. Taxi, subway, walk. Turned key, open door. Couch much missed. He sinks into a familiar position. In a couple hours he'll move his body into a bed where sleep is allowed to overtake. Turn off the cell phone, distractions not allowed.