Polaroid Kid

Polaroid Picture #4

'Goodnight, sleep tight don't let the bedbugs bite' I remember my parents would tell me as a child.

But now I'm a teenager. My parents never really talk with me as much as they used to.

Now I'm a teenager curled up in my bed having nighttime anxiety. Deep breaths.

Somehow deep breaths never worked for me. Nothing has. I don't know why.

I also don't know why 'Polaroid Kid' chose me to give pictures to.

It's all so random. Everything is. But once again, Why me?

And how do they know my name? And why polaroids?

And why the sun? And why the moon? And-- Why?

Why is a great question. For everything in the world.

Why is an infinite question to everything.

There will never be an answer to 'why'

Only if you really think about it.

The world is so damn weird.

And so messed up.

Just my thoughts.

***

My stomach drops with excitement as I step onto my front porch and see the new Polaroid photo.

It's a picture of a-- A balloon?! What? How random is this? Why a balloon?

I awkwardly shove the photo into the pocket of my backpack.

Well, this is another thing to think about today in class.

And another thing to tell Peter about 'Polaroid Kid'

Hopefully, we figure out who this person is.

I love these Polaroid pictures.

But they're so random and off.

So weird and interesting.

And for some, mysterious reason...

I love getting them.

***

"Maybe a balloon because balloons are fun. Fun rhymes with the sun. Balloon rhymes with the moon!"

"You've got to be kidding me, Peter. That doesn't even make sense. That doesn't have a meaning."

"Says who, Jessie? It could have a meaning, you're just really dumb, hahaha."

"Peter, what fun would someone be getting from leaving rhymes on an old porch?"

"Seriously? What do you mean anymore, Jessie? Tell me. I need to know."

"I mean there has to be some legit meaning behind all of this! Not rhymes."

"But the rhymes could lead up to something. Think, JJ, Think!"

"Did you just call me JJ? Are you on drugs? Are you drunk?"

"Nah, just wanted to try something new..."

"Well, it obviously didn't work. Jess is fine."

"You're right. Anyway, mom's calling."

"And does that mean you have to go?"

"As always, you're correct. Peace."

"Ummm.... Peace."

*The phone hangs up with three boops*

"What the f-"