The bridges and river are lost, there is only neon and streetlights beyond the steamed windows. The car smells like wool, dumplings, and musk. "... He got shot in the arm, came home and had a beer then called the cops on himself... Well when we were in NC Mr. Helms, yes Jesse Helms that's right, was so nice to us. My husband was a paratrooper, everyone was so nice... In CA they take your baby for anything! That state is crazy for taking babies away...She wants to go shopping downtown. What do I say? She's my daughter in law, but she's like sandpaper, like nails on blackboard to me.." A business man whispers into his phone, hoping by posture and quick to impart the importance of his call to those around him. A red haired woman playfully beats her toothless, latino boyfriend with a soggy paper. He grins when she calls him "Puto, Putolino." The authorities in hot yellow vests come to check fares. While they ticket a pack of black boys, a blond, plainly dressed white kid slips nervously out the exit.
