Arnold Simmons noticed a gaze and looked up, first catching the driver's hesitant eyes, and then saw his own face.
On the left side a lipstick mark, and on the right another.
The marks weren't very noticeable, but from close up, they were immediately apparent.
Lowering his head, he saw the makeup remover wipe left in the seat where Hannah had sat.
Clearly, it was left there on purpose.
Arnold reached out, took it, and unwrapped the packaging.
As he wiped his face, he showed a smile.
It seemed both helpless and indulgent.
Pink bubbles seemed to float all around him.
The driver almost choked on his saliva.
*
Dusk approached, and the sky gradually darkened.
In the southern river towns, smoke rose from chimneys. In the distance, heavy clouds wrapped in orange sunset pressed down.
On the cobblestone path, people hurried by, some carrying fish baskets, others holding wooden basins, crossing bridges—peacefully reflecting life in the still water below.
