I like to observe how people interact; it helps my writing and teaches me a lot about human nature. One fascinating experience is watching people having quick interactions in public places, such as the speed interaction that develops when you become first in a line. After a long, often lethargic wait, at last you can speak to The One who, in the line’s microcosm, has the power to make or break.

Let's take for example a clerk in a governmental office. It's late in the day and he's tired after having dealt with too many people and their problems. You've been in line for ever and are tired too. You know, of course, that it's quite probable that the form you hold in your hand is incomplete or wrong. Something is bound to be missing – some little detail that the clerk is able to complete for you, but is not obliged to. You dread the moment he'll say: "You need to complete this form with the social security number of your deceased great-uncle, here in box 12-B. Please do that and come back tomorrow. We are closing now."