Magical Realism

A large blue parrot on a man's shoulder on the subway platform becomes an unfurled golf umbrella; in the new Grey Dog cafe, an otherwise normal looking young man bends down over his muffin as though praying. His nose touches the muffin and then he kisses it. When get to office, immediately call the Contessa to tell her about what seems to be (though can't say why) depraved behavior. Can hear the Contessa shudder on other end of line--Ugh, I've probably dated him, she says.