Wang is a short, older Chinese guy who has been living in Seattle for 40 years. He has never been anywhere in the US outside of Washington, he mumbles when he speaks, and chain smokes with the windows closed. He is a sweet man. He says hi to everyone even though that is even hard to translate. He posts random signs in the elevator from time to time. One read "I need dog. Feel lonely. Please help. Room 720" A few months and a couple trips to the pound with the wangster, I see one that reads "Dog Waste Bags. Free" and its laying on top of a huge bundle of plastic safeway bags. Wang decided he did not want a dog because it was too much work. So he wanted to give the shit bags away he had been saving for the past few months. Wang has become my friend.
It started out with me offering to help him with his grocery out front one day. I didnt understand a word he said at this point. Actually, Im not even sure his name is Wang, but thats what I call him now. A few days later he comes knocking on my door. I always know its him because when I look through the peep hole, I dont see anyone. The dude is like 4'9". Since then, we have gone to dinner a couple times, I took a cab ride to the pound twice to help him find a friend, I took him to the Pig Roast festival in the park, Ive watched TV at his house, and next week he is going to show me how to make BBQ Pork.
This morning was strange. Last night Wang knocked and asked me if I could help his nephew install a HDTV antennae. Its funny, he thinks I can fix anything. I really have no clue but figured I could youtube it and agreed to go the next morning. He tells me his nephew lives in the Frye hotel on 3rd and yesler. Its right across from bum park and the only thing I really remember about that building is this one character that is always on the steps. He looks to be about 50. At first glance I thought he was a woman, he shakes like he needs a fix, and he definitely has that "I'll suck your dick for 5 dollars" look. I see this guy a lot and not sure if I should be disgusted, afraid, or turned on. Joking about that last part. The guy is creepy! Thats all I knew about the Frye at that point.
10 Am comes and Wang knocks. he is never late. I throw on some sweats and take a walk with him. Once inside, I realize the Frye is a great building. Its 150 years old, has an open lobby, high ceilings and decor from the 70s. It has a musty smell and the lady at the desk takes my ID so I can go up and try to fix this antennae. We go to the 6th floor and walk down the hallway. There is junk everywhere, doors open with TVs blaring, and an old Japanses lady sitting by the elevator. Wang waves and says hi, she stares blankly.
We get to the spot. I think it was 609. Wang knocks and opens the door. Its a small, dirty space with an overflowing ashtray, a few empty beer cans, and the TV. Someone comes from the kitchen area and I almost fell to the floor. Its the guy from the front steps who I have mad eye contacts way too many with over the past year. I hesitated and cringed when he stuck his hand out. I had to shake it. I go straight to the TV and start hooking the wires up. He is behind me sitting on the loveseat.
He's is wearing tight jeans and a dirty white t. The whole time I am there he has his hand up his shirt and he was rubbing between his stomach and nipples. I never looked directly but kept the corner of my eye on him. Miraculously, I figured out how to get a few local channels working. I was nervous, felt gross, and could not stop thinking about the countless number of dudes who have been in and out of there. I was surprised to hear he has been living there for 27 years. By that time, the floor was probably covered in a layer of sticky stuff. His name is Tommy. Tommy does not say a word. He just twitches, rubs himself and stares at me while Im frantically flipping through channels. Right before i leave he says "do you live here?" I say "no, nice meeting you," and I get the hell out.
Im so disgusted I dont want to touch anything. Thank god Wang was with me and he could use his keycard to get us back in the building. I get home, wash my hands with alcohol for what felt like 20 mins, and laugh. I cant believe I ended up in his place on a Sunday morning. I imagine I will be walking by there next time and he will remember my name. Thats how it goes for me. I end up meeting random people doing random things. Next Sunday, Im gonna watch football with the Wangster and learn how to make that BBQ pork.
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