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4.

I awake to find myself naked on the mattress, and the room bathed in the overripe sunlight of a June afternoon. Brings to mind the word "patriotism." I put on my clothes. She says something. I can't make out what. I strain my ears but still don't catch it. She starts putting on her underwear. Her torso is painted brick-red by the light. I find the scene terribly poignant. I stop her from putting on her blouse. She gives me a strange look. Ingenuous. I drop my gaze, then ask if she's got a cigarette. She digs a pack from her bag, puts one to her lips, lights it, then plants it in my mouth. I look down at the floor and smoke the whole cigarette. She's dressing I can tell. "Care to take in one more house before it gets dark?" Her voice is drowsy. I nod.