CHIAROSCURO
One should never express joy when interfering with the blacks. My hands planted themselves deep in my pockets as I shuffled uncomfortably home; the sun was now warming my whole body and I glistened with perspiration. I hadn’t enjoyed the Derby and it was a tremendous relief to creep closer to my house. My head stayed down and I watched my brogues briskly moving back and forth as I wandered through the streets; I gazed up at the mighty buildings standing firm. I decided to take the quickest route home, which involved using the backstreets, and I entered between two towering buildings. I could soon hear voices, but I thought nothing of it. It was visible to me now that the source of the voices was a scattering of blacks who directly obstructed my path; I would have to engage them in conversation. “I’m terribly sorry, but can I just get through? Please?”My stutter made my nervousness evident. “Of course. Don’t let us stop you,” said a young woman from my right; I glanced over to her, about to gesture my thanks, but was halted in my efforts. My eyes caressed her beautiful profile and the blood rose in me; I fumbled for my pocket watch to distract myself as I attempted to clear my unexpectedly blocked throat. Each second I remained, the more I took in, and the more shuffling I had to do to appease my anxieties. She was oblivious to my discomfort as I continued to gaze at her moist, supple skin.
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