there's a restlessness in the air. a strange warmth for a rainy day.

the hipster with the round glasses rushes by. "do you know where to find crystal?" he asks hurriedly. i shrug thinking of the rabbit in wonderland. he thinks better, doubling back, and apologizes for having asked me that. i smile. "no worries."

the beautiful girls are all out today. at least those with something to sell. avoiding the rain in doorways and corners. waiting for what days like these have in store. newly each time.

mackenzie says she looks like shit and she's hungry. she's from new orleans. she left after the hurricane. she says she hasn't eaten all day. i tell her the camera thinks she looks fine and show her. she smiles.

i see the little girl then. and the little boy. just for a sec. it's the same smile she must have had. or would have had. but for different reasons.

and she's really a lovely girl. and she's not worth this.