It was a chilly night, as far as summer on the East Coast was concerned. The air was heavy with the humidity from the day, but a cool breeze chilled Mars’ skin as she leaned against the iron railing of her balcony ---it was a fire escape, actually, but balcony sounded fancier, and she liked it. A joint in one hand, the other holding a light blanket closed around her shoulders. There wasn’t much to see, aside from the usual drunks stumbling home, folks stepping outside to have a cigarette, and someone in their bedroom who’d forgotten to draw the curtains. Her eyes fell on a man who stepped out of the motel across the street, lingering as he approached the vending machine. She was on the top floor of her apartment building, but it was onyl three stories high. Mars puffed on her drug of choice, content to lean in her usual spot and people watch until her feet got too cold.
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