I went to work for an hour again today. Where I work, the air filtration system must not be up to par. Air quality is so poor (as it was yesterday, my first day back to work) we were allowed to leave if we wished. I can only imagine how funky the air will smell in days to come (exactly what does 5000 rotting bodies smell like?).

Anyway, it was time for haircut. I walked over to my friend's shop. Surprise! I was his only customer. My friend Pasquale (Patty) is approximately 38-40. He has a wife and 3 small children. I met Patty about 14 years ago when he worked for someone else across from the WTC. At the time, I worked in the WTC. I remember we used to speak about children (I have 3, he was planning for his first).

Well, about 4 years ago, he opened his own shop along with another barber from that shop. His store currently has 3 barbers and a manicurist.

When I walked in today, Patty was the only one there. With nothing to do, the others were on an extended lunch or whatever. Patty told me that he cannot pay his rent. (he has just enough money to pay his tax bill). He lost 40% of his business when the trade center went down. Most of these people were from when he worked by the trade center. The manicurist's book of clients has been reduced 75%.

Patty was born in Italy but was always proud of learning English, buying a house and being able to provide for his family without ever needing the government's help (he could never understand foreigners who come to the USA and refuse to learn the language). He told me he used to bring home $700-$800 a week. He told me he's begging his landlord to help him with the rent. He told me he was brought to tears when his brother in law stopped over with some $500 in goods from the local Costco.

I gave him an $8 tip and left. I felt like crap.