Andrew J. Lederer

but decided to go to the afterparty at theatre ste catherine 'cause it was my last chance to see a girl i'd become interested in and, also, it effectively marked the end of the festival.

still, i delayed entering the venue, standing out front as the night threatened to be displaced by day.

fortunately, before too long, a (friendly) eugene mirman showed up and encouraged me into the room.

but going in didn't mean i was ready to interact with anyone, so i ended up on the balcony, looking over the scene as kevin mcdonald from the kids in the hall, god's pottery, phil nichol, various attractive comedy industry women and a host of others danced, drank and otherwise embraced the waning night.

unexpectedly, on my shoulder, eugene mirman's hand appeared.

he wanted to know if i was okay.

i said i was and suddenly it was true.

i had been watching the attractive redhead i was interested in dancing, realizing nothing was to come of my interest, and had become a little depressed but soon i was on the dance floor, undulating with the others, feeling almost happy.

when i left, the sun was mostly shining as kristen schaal, standing out front with a cute girl from avalon management, smiled "good morning" and "goodbye".

i felt almost normal. which regular readers will know is, to me, an elusive and treasured state.

the hookers tried to entice me as i strolled toward the hotel, but they had no way of knowing that my self-esteem was now far too high for them to prevail.