It was hunger that woke him the next evening, though he saw Kateesha already up and wearing a new dress. She helped him stand with a smile. "Are you ready?"

He nodded and they headed outside into the night. A handful of stars glittered overhead and the familiar buildings sat quiet, their windows glowing with candlelight. It was early evening; the moon had yet to make an appearance.

A woman walked down the street, her eyes on the ground, a basket clutched in her hands. ...