American Sauna.

There was a man sitting in the far corner of the sauna. When the woman walked in, he slid over and told her to have his spot. 

“This your spot,” he said.

She removed her headphones to hear.

“This your spot,” he repeated.

“Oh my. Please, no. It’s really ok. Please, stay.”

“No. I move. I don’t mind. I know this your spot. I, all the time, see you here.”

“I feel so bad but I do love this spot! Thank you, thank you,” she said.

“I know. I used to see you here every time. Where have you been?”

“I moved for a few months. But I’m back now.”

“Ok. Back for good?”

“Hopefully. I have to move again in another month but I want to stay around here.”

“Ok. Good.” 

“But yes. Hopefully back for good. I’ll be here 7 days a week. This is the best sauna in America. It’s my happy place,” she said.

“My name is Mak. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Mark?” she asked.

“Mak. It’s spelled like em-ay-kay.”

“Oh! Ok. I’m Clare. It’s nice to meet you, too.”

Mak asked Clare if she works. 

Clare told him she’s a singer. 

Mak asked how he can hear her music. 

Clare asked how Mak listens to music. Spotify, iTunes, how?

Mak told her he listens to music using Youtube on his phone.

Clare asked to use his phone so she could find her music for him.

“Sure.” 

Mak handed her the phone. 

“You’re listening to Pride and Prejudice right now?” Clare said. 

Mak said yes. He also said he’s happy he moved over now that he knows she’s a famous singer.

Clare laughed.

“Where are you from?” she asked.

“I’m from here. Nashville. I’m here 28 years. I came from a place called Bosnia. Former Yugoslavia. Have you heard of it?”

“Yes. Of course. I’m originally from Ireland. I’m very familiar with Bosnia. It’s not far from us.”

“So you have European blood, too!”

“Sure do!”

“I never thought I’d be here. I never thought I’d leave Bosnia. But the war got so bad, I had no choice. We would’ve been killed if we stayed.”

“That makes me sad.”

“Please don’t be sad. This is home now. I love this place. Not easy at first. Especially come here as older man. Hard to learn all new ways. New food. New taxes. New way to drive. New everything.”

“I know what you mean. I’ve lived in several different countries. The older you are, the harder it is.”

“But I love it here now. I’m so happy I’m here. I go back to visit because Bosnia is so beautiful. But I love it here.”

Then, I left the sauna.