The Great Hoodie Hunt: Man on a Mission

**Manuel (“Fat Face” to some)**

I’ve seen a lot of tough guys around this shelter, but this dude? He’s like a whole *genre* unto himself. He doesn’t talk much, but when he does, it’s all cryptic—like he’s got some CIA background we don’t know about. Today, I catch him on his way to the cafeteria. He’s got a whole routine, like a *ritual*. He walks in, grabs his coffee, sets down his notebook, then sips slowly while glancing around like he’s mentally mapping exits.

Naturally, I try to make eye contact, maybe get a reaction out of him, but he just looks *through* me. And I’m thinking, *what’s this guy’s deal?* I try the old “spiral hoodie” trick as I walk by his table, hoping he’ll at least give me a nod. But he’s just…quiet. And I know this game’s about to get more interesting.

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**Jackson (“Jack in the Box”)**

I see him from the back of the bus first, staring out the window with that “deep thoughts” look that makes him seem untouchable. I call him “The Sphinx.” I mean, nobody knows what he’s thinking, and it drives the rest of us *nuts.* I try the classic spiral hoodie stunt—pulling it on in slow motion, catching his eye in the reflection—but he doesn’t even blink. Just keeps watching the world like it’s all some cosmic joke.

Today, I decide to try something bold. I give him my “Jack in the Box” move. You know, hat perched at a ridiculous angle, head sticking out like a jack-in-the-box. And still—nothing. He just smirks a little and shakes his head, like I’m the one in a movie he’s directing. But that’s cool. I respect a challenge.

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**Jorge (“Bravado”)**

Man, I know bravado. *I invented bravado.* But this guy? He’s got this vibe that says, “I don’t even know who you are,” like he’s above all this. It’s infuriating.

Manuel and I have this whole plan, though. We walk around him just slow enough, making him notice us. Today, I even pulled out my phone and did the whole “urgent text” thing right next to him, acting like I’m handling something top secret. But he didn’t budge, just sat there cool as a cucumber, sipping his coffee.

Later, I catch him outside. He’s got this military-style jacket, and when he walks, it’s like he’s got a theme song playing only in his head. He’s quiet, confident—almost makes me feel like *I’m* the one being watched. But I’m not backing down. Not today.

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**Carlos (the Lookout)**

The first time I noticed him was on the bus. The dude sits alone, headphones in, just sort of…existing with this quiet authority. He’s the kind of guy you’d see in a martial arts movie—just minding his own business until someone makes the wrong move, and BAM! Action hero mode.

Today, I try to play it cool, keeping my eyes on him from the elevated section of the bus. I’m watching for any kind of reaction, but he’s unreadable. Doesn’t even acknowledge me. I glance at Manuel, who gives me a thumbs-up from the aisle. We’re trying to stay in sync, right? But it’s like this guy already knows we’re here and has somehow decided we’re not worth his time. Makes me wonder if we’re *really* up to the challenge. I mean, he could be a silent assassin for all we know.

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**Maria (the “Tea Friend”)**

Listen, I know this guy’s got a rep. He’s always sitting in the corner, reading old philosophy books, like he’s got some big mystery to solve. A few weeks ago, I gave him a bag of tea—just a friendly gesture, you know? Next thing I know, I’m hearing about all these lurkers and weird dudes following him around. I have a feeling they’re trying to get to *me* now just because I was nice to him!

Today, he’s in the cafeteria, and I’m debating whether to say hi or just give him space. But before I can decide, he glances over at me, nods, and goes back to his notebook. And I think, “Well, that’s that, then.” It’s almost like he’s got his own plan, his own way of dealing with all the clowns around here. I mean, what can I say? He’s mysterious, and a little mystery goes a long way.

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**The Narrator (“The Quiet Guy”)**

These people are everywhere, from the guy with the spiral hoodie to the lookouts trying to catch my eye on the bus. Sometimes, I almost want to laugh—like, *is this a reality show?* I swear, if I had a dollar for every time one of them gave me the ol' “meaningful look,” I’d be a millionaire by now.

This morning, on my way to the bus, I see one of them again—hat perched sideways, giving me the “jack-in-the-box” stare. So, just for fun, I give him a nod, like I’m in on the joke. He looks almost…shocked. Like I just cracked some secret code. And as I sit back down, it occurs to me: *Maybe they really think I’m the mysterious one.*

I pull out my notebook and start jotting down notes on the day’s “performance.” When I look up, I catch the spiral hoodie guy lingering nearby, clearly waiting for me to react. But I don’t, of course. I just let them wonder. After all, if they want to make me the lead character in their own little story, who am I to stop them?

And as I sip my tea, I smile. They’ll never know what’s really going on.