Alfredo

Returning home without a middle name, the minutes are ticking down until midnight.  With the internet close at hand I decide, for the first time since 8th January, to delve into the world of internet chat-rooms.  This time I try chatroulette.  The screen in front of me flashes images until I find someone with whom I want to make contact.  There is a man with a headset grinning manically, a grainy face with glasses staring blankly and a man reclining on a sofa waiting for something.  The anonymity makes me nervous.  I do not turn on my webcam.  I find another blank screen and begin a conversation. 

Connected to somebody.
Location: Mexico

You: Hello
Partner: hi
You: this is a strange question
You: but I have a new years resolution to find someone's middle name every day this year
Partner: what
You: do you have a middle name
Partner: yeap
Partner: its alfred
You: that doesn't sound very mexican
Partner: alfredo
You: ah
Partner: i miss an o
You: where are you from in mexico?
Partner: sonora
You: i went to mexico when i was nineteen
Partner: how old are you?
You: i'm 32
Partner: good
You: yes. i think it is good. thank you.
Partner: :)
Partner: im 18
You: a good age too.
You: that really was my question. thank you for your help
Partner: yeah jsjs
You: i don't know what jsjs means
Partner: its like jaja
You: is that like haha?
Partner: ajam
You: nice to meet you, middle name alfredo, i hope you have a good day
Partner: thank you :)
Partner: nice to meet you too
You: do you say 'adios' in mexico or is that just
You: spain
Partner: we too say it
You: i thought so. adios y muchas gracias.
Partner: bye

Glad that it is over, I turn off my computer and go to bed.