358 words (1 minute read)

Chapter 20

There’s a rhythm to the city, to the streets. It’s there. You have to tap into it or you’re toast. Frank knew this. Everything is moving in harmony. It has to. There’s no other way for the city to survive. It’s all in the flow, knowing when to turn, when to give, when to push. You have to know these things.

The cars, the couriers, the pedestrians, the bums. All moving (for the most part). Like water in a river, flowing, moving.

Learn it.

You are not an island. Learn how to walk city streets properly or stay home. There are things at play here. Important things are happening, things are getting done. People have places to be at. Bosses are waiting. Girlfriends and boyfriends are looking at clocks and phones. Schedules need to be met. Do not slow things down, do not obstruct passage. Why would you want to? Don’t you have some place to be? Don’t you have something to do? Come on, keep going, don’t falter. Pay attention. No swerving or missteps.

Frank knew this. He lived in cities all his life. He knew the concrete and the pavement and the smoke and the noise. That’s what he knew. That’s what comforted him. He could tell a block away which way a person coming towards him was going to turn just by looking at them for a few seconds. He could map out somebody’s path in his head and take measures to avoid being slowed down by them. It was almost like dancing with the city. A giant dance that ebbed and flowed during the day, drawing to a peaceful close each night, late.

Step step step, dip.

Step step pause.

Wait.

Step step step, dip.

Weave.

Wait.

And step.

Learn the dance.

Frank did.

Next Chapter: Chapter 28