Harper's days in Chicago

Today, Wednesday 7 October

1. 7:05amSpilled coffee on my skirt at the top of the stairs
2. 10:10amCrossword clue still ringing while the partners argued over blocks
3. 12:20pmThe el doors stuck, so late lunch in the park

On her mind: Waiting to hear back from the apartment on southport

Tuesday 6 October

1. 7:42amThe el jolted and coffee soaked the sleeve of my blouse
2. 12:15pmThe crossword clue kept repeating in my head through lunch
3. 6:47pmFinally swapped heels for bare feet under the desk
4. 9:10pmRooftop pool still warm from the sun, dirty martini cold enough
5. 10:55pmWalked home with jazz leaking out of every open window

Monday 5 October

1. 7:05amSpilled coffee on the silk blouse before the first train
2. 10:35amBoat horn carried across the river while drafting a calendar block
3. 2:10pmThe woman two rows over talked through the whole jazz record
4. 7:40pmMartini tasted wrong so left it and walked down to the lake
5. 10:50pmRooftop pool already closing when I stepped outside

Sunday 4 October

1. 7:25amSilk still cool from the radiator, sleeves sticking to wrists
2. 9:50amLeft partner swore he ordered coffee, no evidence it arrived
3. 2:15pmSky turned the lake iron — grey during lunch, rain never followed
4. 7:40pmKicked heels under desk, soles faced the window like small protests
5. 10:10pmOld jazz on the roof speakers, gin already sweating in the glass

Saturday 3 October

1. 7:45amLake wind cut right through the morning commute
2. 12:30pmDirty martini at lunch turned the day slower
3. 6:15pmStopped by the rooftop anyway, pool already covered for fall
4. 10:45pmJazz bar piano echoed the wind from earlier