The day is muted and gray. I took a nap curled up on the ottoman, then headed down Eleventh to the deep red warmth of Café Regular. At moments it was silent but for the longing guitar. Other times there were the visitors from Boston, dropping their r’s all over the shop.

A day that is muted and gray is best for bumping into Bella on Ninth Street, with her bag yellow like sunshine. A day that is muted and gray is also good for three little girls running down the street like candy.