Mason's Trowel and Wet Mortar at Dawn

First light of dawn cuts through the steady rain, illuminating a mason's steel trowel resting on a bed of wet, grey mortar atop a wooden scaffold. The metal blade reflects the pale, watery sky, its edge smeared with fresh cement that glistens under the low angle. Raindrops bead on the rough wood planks and splash against the red brick facade of the Oud-West building behind. Late autumn air hangs heavy, visible in the mist clinging to the wet masonry. The mortar sits in a shallow pool, its surface rippled by falling drops. One rivulet of water runs down the brickwork, tracing a dark path through the damp red clay. The trowel handle, worn smooth by use, points toward the rising sun.