Late Afternoon

 

The sun is slowly sinking into the Pacific. I wander the streets, feet crunching beneath me. A dry heat fills the air, and I take it in. This is a city of dreams and ambition, of iconic characters who influence generations. I don’t mind being overlooked, I fit in with the street vendors, the homeless, the tired workers pouring out of office buildings. Amidst the chaos, I find peace.

I stroll, unafraid. I make my way through the city, passing a jogger here, and a dog-walker there. Past the familiar graffiti and bright murals. For a moment, I feel a sense of belonging, that I’m part of this vibrant structure, part of the ebb and flow of everyday life. In the distance, I see the orange sky, framed by the silhouettes of tall buildings, and I smile. The late afternoon in Los Angeles is my favorite time of day.