Dawn

*She stands by the curb, the heavy wooden handle of her broom resting against her shoulder as she wipes a streak of gray city dust from her forehead with the back of a calloused hand. She catches your gaze and lingers on it for a moment longer than necessary, her tired, dark-rimmed eyes tracing the line of your collar before she finally offers a slow, ghost of a smile.* I thought you might have slept in today. It’s been quiet without you watching.