I’m draining water from our household fishtank. The level has gotten very low — less than half full. In the debris below, miraculously, I spot a familiar eel-like shape curled beneath a patch of gravel: a small kuhli loach, still alive!
Later, I’m drawing a Roman-era cityscape in stark black lines while multitasking for a class. Before this moment, I recall walking across the tin roof of an ancient bathhouse, footsteps echoing underfoot.
Peeking into the window of a group living situation near city hall, I spot my old friend Mark from my Munchery job. Left on the pool table is a sample bag of marshmallow M&Ms, something sold in other countries. The residents decide to try it.
A retiring Roman emperor in his stoic marble villa, symmetrical columns and stairs. While he tries to announce his retirement, his generals all begin announcing at once that they are now the heir to the new caesar. A jug of Pedialyte in fridge in place of milk.
Flying to Nicaragua on the way to somewhere nearby, even further away, also tropical and bright. We’re not allowed to leave the airport on this leg of the trip. Only when we finally arrive.