day in the dong

I'm carrying things back to our apartment. I find Nick playing guitar in the square next to our house. I ask him how it was going.

He says that families are having their picture taken in front of him as if he's some sort of monument. He's drawing a crowd but not holding their attention.

I congratulate him on being Dongying's new novelty act.

Later a small persistant flower seller (we all call him the flower child) will see Nick ($$$$$$!) and begins to harass him. He will start to grab Nick and Nick's guitar. Nick will flee, leaving behind his dream of conquering Dongying's music scene.

I continue back to our apartment through the dirt mall. There is a child, crapping through split pants on the grass. There's a dead colorful bird on the ground next to the birdseller. The ice cream seller tries to talk to me again, but the only thing I understand is when she asks me if I understand and tell her I do not.