a few seconds later it dawns on me

shit, where's my pen?! kareef totally swiped my pen! that was my favorite one! wait, hold on... am i missing anything else?

i give myself a pat down, checking all my pockets, and the contents of my man-purse.

okay, camera's there, sketchbooks and journals all there, wallet's in my right pocket, phone and keys in the left, watch is on my wrist... wait, where's my watch?! shit, kareef totally swiped my watch!

wait, i don't wear a watch? okay, he just took my pen...

i walk back towards the clever thief who is now harrassing a crowd of other patrons less willing and giving than myself. i join the crowd and interrupt mid-shpeel.

"hey, kareef, i think you've got something of mine..."

he looks up, and smiles. then reaches in his back pocket while saying jestingly, "yeah, man. you're right. i totally swiped your pen from you! here you go!"

i smile back, equally good-humored about it

...then i quickly pry my precious pen from his grubby little fingers!!!