New York City, August 15, 2016

★★ Pink streaks stood in the early morning sky and in the mirrored glass of the apartment tower across the avenue. Before leaving for the day, it was time to close the blinds and ruefully shut off the air conditioner. A bright white cloud was coming into view over the top of the apartment building, moving fast. The heat was tolerable, but the weekend had overwhelmed the office air conditioning and even by noon it had not fought its way back. On Fifth Avenue, tan lines were conflicting with the season’s enduring off-the-shoulder style. The office air passed the balance point and returned to its familiar deep chill. Even after nightfall, the dark and uncooled apartment was stifling to arrive home to.