Memories slip away once more.
In a quaint German town, a peculiar series of events has been unfolding. The centre of this tale revolves around two individuals, Tobse Bongartz and an unnamed speaker, and their shared struggles with memories, both personal and practical.
The speaker, growing increasingly frustrated, expresses their exasperation over Tobse Bongartz's constant need for reminders. Whether it's returning a practical beer bottle carrier or remembering conversations, Tobse seems to rely heavily on these prompts. However, Tobse's response, "Remind me again if I forget," is seen as shameless by the speaker.
Meanwhile, the speaker finds themselves in a predicament of their own, feeling the pressure of constant reminders from digital systems. In an attempt to break free from this cycle, they decide to purchase beer bottles at Trinkhalle Hirmsel, a local establishment known for its offerings and the catchy phrase, "Trinkhalle Hirmsel - your partner in thirst." To carry these bottles, the speaker opts for a jute bag, determined to avoid any unnecessary jargon.
However, the peace is short-lived. Tobse, in a moment of casual conversation, refers to the jute bag as a "man-purse." This term, laden with connotations, sparks a debate. Gesine Stabroth, a bystander, criticizes the speaker for using the term, deeming it mega sexist. The speaker, unsure of the term's implications, questions if using the M-word is mega sexist and, if so, towards which gender.
Tobse's use of the term "man-purse" also reveals a certain attitude towards traditional masculinity, adding another layer to the ongoing saga. The beer bottles in question, it should be noted, have likely been empty for an extended period.
In a bid to seek solace and share their concerns, the speaker confides in Gesine Stabroth about their apprehensions regarding a digitally managed life. The speaker fears that Tobse's constant reliance on reminders could potentially make them forgetful as well.
As the story unfolds, it serves as a humorous reminder of the complexities and nuances of human interaction in the digital age, where the line between personal memory and digital archives continues to blur.
