Campaigning

“What up?” I was adamant in my salutation, yet the response I got was a raised half eyebrow. I tried again.

“How’s it hanging, my man,” this time the response was even fainter, barely registering. Did the teenager look up from his phone? Was there a moment of recognition? I was uncertain, so I tried a third time.

“Hey, bruh,” I proffered.

“Look,” he said, …