I was sitting outside the cafe, reading, soaking in caffeine and sunlight. My head was finally clearing of the noxious effects of carpet cleaner fumes.
The air was thick, vaguely muggy. The horizon was hazy.
I thought I could smell the construction two blocks away, even though I was upwind. A week ago Olive Way seemed fine. Now the pavement has been scraped away and there are men in orange vests stomping up a cloud of asphalt dust.
Cars zipped around me. I sipped a cup of bitter tea. Every time I inhaled, my head cleared a little more. The pollution actually tasted kind of sweet.