After.., Part 10: The election had been close, though cowboy still had mixed feelings about it.

Sure, on the one hand, he was bummed out that the other guy got in.  But on the other hand, he liked having his den back - deskspace, free of the general clutter which had accumulated during the terms he'd served.  But there was more to it, than the mix of disappointment and relief.  The general mood of the clubhouse was changing, a carelessness about things.  During the last two meetings, not one word was said concerning 2X4s, drywall, paint, and suchlike.  But there was something else, and that something else perplexed him.

Cowboy had been with the club for more than a few years.  Presidents got voted in, and voted out, no big deal really.  But the club's annual Yule Fest?  That was a big deal.  What was up with it having had been cancelled?  Granted, the new President had neither a wife, nor kids, but still most the other members had families. But there was more.  It was as if there was a general coldness about the place; a coldness that had nothing to do with the building's excuse-for-a heating system.  Yep, not a word about getting that fixed either.   Bbrrr, January had come in howling, and the radar indicated it staying into February.  No snow, just cold biting wind, with some sleet here and there.

He opened his credit-card statement.  He looked over the three or four charges - one for groceries, another had been for a game his boy had wanted for Yule, another for a few items from the wally-world - then wrote out the check.  It was then he noticed the PLEASE READ IMMEDIATELY on the front of the torn envelope.  Along with the mailing, was a small pamphlet.  It said something about a merger, and went on about "customer care..."  Yeah, right...!  Anyway, the expiration date of his card - and others of the same series - was being moved up to March 31st of THIS year.

But that wasn't the half of it.  Going "cardless" was no longer an option.  Beginning April 1st, customers had to get the implant in order to use the service.  Of course, he had a second account...well, evidently, for now.   

He picked up the check, grabbed his wallet, put on his jacket, started up his truck, and headed over to the auto-parts store.  Upon entry, he headed over to where wiper-blades were being sold.  As he made his selection, he realized the store had made some changes.  More flatscreens.  Several customers were gathered over where something else the truck needed was shelved.

What was with all the flatscreens?  All showing the same air-brushed face?  It was as if, you couldn't so much as go out for a paper and a pack of smokes, without seeing THAT creepy mug!