Chapter 17

Even with the cold air of the starry night, all the streets are full of people.

Musicians play in the squares, entertaining small audiences that are mostly childless couples. Singles and committed parade along the sidewalk as they head to theaters and public gardens, wearing their best clothes and brightest smiles. The tinkling of cutlery on dishes fills the walks as I go through cafes and restaurants with illuminated signs, and the delicious aroma of food invades my path beyond the resplendent stores.

The meeting point that Penelope had indicated to me earlier appears sneakily hidden between two convenience stores. It is a small restaurant built on the lowest floor of a duplex, whose decoration displays the gradient of gold and burnt brown, soft and cozy. A song flows smoothly between the walls, played by a musician on a small stage next to the bar.

It's the first time in a long time since I've explored the city in search of fun right in the middle of the week. It's Thur