The players, all 6 of them, spend 40 minutes arriving at a consensus on how to “mark” the game they are pausing so they can step out and grab a bite, 15 minutes on how they intend to resume play, 10 minutes deciding between Pizza Hut and Market Place. One guy is trying to convince the others that someone should stay behind to hold the table. This is the first time all day that they will not be here. The place feels empty, deserted. I hate being alone with my thoughts. When I’m with them I never get anything done.