CHAPTER 1 

Jodi’s Apartment
NYC

From the Desk of Jodi Lerner

Those who are good with math will have realized that the sign is 72 years old. The average human life span is 70. The world we live in has changed a lot in the last 72 years: nuclear power, computers and communications, globalization. Seventy years ago, our world would have seemed alien to those who first stared at this sign, just like their world is something out of a black and white movie for most of us. But even as the world changed, the sign remained the same.

The original intention of this piece has been lost in time. However, it now has the opportunity to hold personal significance to each and every one of us. In its mystery, it leads itself to both philosophical and spiritual interpretations.

And it is the infinite possibilities for interpretation that elevate this sign from merely being a piece of scrap metal. It is what makes it art.

I want to dedicate this piece to one Bette Porter. Bette, you’ve been my inspiration and my muse. And you are the number one reason why I feel so damn lucky. I love you. I thank you.

Jodi Lerner stared blankly at the page in front of her. It was the first draft for the speech she had to give at the opening of her newest structure. The ceremony was in three days, but she had been so busy with the move back to LA that it was only today that she finally found a moment to work on it.

She reread that last line twice before she used the pen to blot it out. It was so generic she was almost ashamed of herself. In fact, the whole paragraph felt dull! She might as well get rid of the whole thing, she thought as she continued to scratch the paper with the pen.

Jodi was being so forceful in her attempt to erase those last words that the paper tore under the strain.

She sighed loudly, throwing the pen on the desk and rubbing the tiredness out of her eyes. She had forgotten how much she despised formal openings.

Jodi made a little paper ball and tried to shoot it towards the nearby trashcan. To her chagrin, her aim was as good as her speechwriting, so the ball ended with the other half-dozen already on the floor.