A Man and His Fish

Planet Texas Moment #587:

Took myself on a long, exploratory walk last night down one of my favorite streets in my hood, South 1st. It is a colorful street with tiny, random shops covering an array of niche commerce from cupcakes to used neon signs. The weather was superb and I haven't donned tennies since sometime last Fall. It was time.

Best part of the night was a new friendship I made with the proprietor of a hookah shop and smoking lounge. Here's a summary of the conversation...

Dude: You should totally meet my fish.

Me: Um... [eyebrow raised]

Dude: [knocking on fish tank glass] C'mon out and meet someone!

Me: Um... [wondering why the trippy music is so loud when no one else is here]

Dude: Here-e comes! Isn't he great?! He's kinda like a puppy. The kids love 'im.

Me: ...

This was, no joke, the happiest fish in history. He was a 3 foot long, obese, whiskered eel-like creature who was, as far as I could see, wiggling with delight at the sight of his owner and smiling like a Cheshire cat. I mean, this fish was literally doing the Olive "full body wag." He was equally thrilled to see me, after he was scolded for not greeting the guest. I've never quite seen anything like it.

Thanks Redline Hookah for keeping Austin (and rest of this planet) weird.