the ladder and the gutter

--then the union was locked out, remember?

that's right. i left for ethiopia that day i think. was that the 26th?

the 26th, yeah. i think so... because of 'forgone collisions'.

ha. i forgot about that.

...

...

she saw how he was looking past her. he glanced at her crossed arms and pale hands.

--are you?/have you?-- they both started and stopped. he shaded his eyes against the long fall sunshine.

i heard you've got a show in the market.

she brightened and softened, yeah. how'd you hear?

you know, i'm around. he meant it as in neighbourhood news, but she took it as an offer and her eyes hit the pavement.

well, it was good to see you.

yeah, you too.