New York City, September 26, 2017

★★ Clouds had reappeared, and the air was waterlogged. Somehow, for a moment, the arrangement of the cloud cover sent reflected light in more strongly than direct light, so the retrograde shadows were the darker ones. Gloom prevailed for a little while, till it seemed as if it had to rain, and then that threat was forgotten in brightness. The early afternoon glare was a little nauseating. Sun flashed off the foil on the Rice Krispy treats; the spatula had to be carried low so as not to harm passing eyes. The effort of hurrying to beat a crosswalk signal stayed with the body for a full long block afterward, in the unforgiving air.