yfritz's Journal, 17 July 2022

This post is for Tim Vail. “Mac’s Speed Shop provides some comfortable acceptance at the end of my work week,” Tim unassumingly remarked. He mentioned Mac’s twice since my arrival in NC and that was a good enough reason for me to dine at the bike themed joint. I wasn’t expecting “comfortable acceptance” though, harmless anxiety toward heathens is still very intact in this town, and I knew I’d be received coldly in a setting filled with patriotic bbq lovers. I used to avoid them because I interpreted their detachment (and hostility at times) as the refusal to acknowledge my unalienable rights. But over the years I gained a sympathetic insight into their discomfort towards me, or anything I represent in their world. I even welcome their aloofness. I now know there is quiet acceptance behind their icy stare. I say acceptance, because they manage to coexist with me without treating me like a chinadoll or imposing the Bible on me. I grew to value their self restraint.
The brisket burnt ends were sublime. I chuckled, thinking that Tim was right, as he always is. I didn’t particularly feel welcomed at Mac’s but I was definitely comfortable, and I might even masterfully elevate my comfort to an ambition to become a regular who eats at a tall topper.