Gorilla Glue Outtakes (NARRATIVE DISTANCE EXERCISE)

They formed a line according to hometown location, east to west across the front of the classroom. They were not allowed to speak. Several young men from southern California spelled out their towns, making letters with their hands. The young man from northern California positioned himself to their west.

Now they lined up by hometown, east to west across the class. The rule was don’t speak. David Gates, from northern California, watched the guys from southern California gesture and shuffle about. He knew the shape of the state. He waited awhile and stepped to their west.

Dave checked the state’s shape, right there on the classroom map. He’d be west of the SoCal boys, once they got it sorted out.

Hometowns—east to west. Go. One rule: shut up. Let these SoCal broskis mime it out for the Inland Empire. He’d be in Eureka if you need him.