I have been overhearing some of the strangest conversations during the past few days, thanks to working from coffee shops while I wait for the internet to be hooked up at the new apartment. Not that I’m complaining: I find people watching (and listening) highly enjoyable. Inadvertent eavesdropping often yields some of the best fodder for stories (but judging by how long it is taking me to write these few sentences, does not always make for the most productive use of my time).

This week we have three settings perfect for accidental eavesdropping: a café, a barbershop, and a subway platform. My advice? Take those earbuds out every once in a while. You never know what you might hear.

Édouard Manet, A Café, Place du Theatre Francais, 1877-78. Pastel on canvas. Burrell Collection, Glasgow, Scotland.

Jacob Lawrence, The Barber Shop, 1946. Gouache on paper.

Robert Doisneau, Le Muguet du Métro, 1954. Photograph.

P.S. We’re now accepting submissions for the next Open Mic! Submit your stuff today and tomorrow, and it’ll go live for workshopping on Wednesday.