A Slow Walk Along the Canal

The towpath began behind the last open café and continued beneath four bridges. Mira decided to walk only as far as the second, then changed her mind when she reached it.

Two narrowboats were tied to iron rings. On one roof stood a row of empty flowerpots. On the other, a coil of rope had been arranged so neatly that it seemed already asleep.

At the third bridge, water reflected one yellow window. By the fourth, even that window was behind her.

Mira turned around. The return walk contained the same bridges in another order, which was all the difference she needed.