Mother-of-pearl Accordion in Colchester Market Lane

Raindrops rest on the dark, polished wood of an accordion resting against a weathered brick wall in a narrow Colchester market lane. The instrument's keys glisten with a wet sheen, reflecting the crisp, high-altitude midday light that cuts through the overcast sky. Mother-of-pearl buttons catch the damp air, displaying iridescent flashes of white, pink, and pale blue against the gray stone. Water beads slide slowly down the curved bellows, gathering in the deep grooves of the leather. Leading lines formed by the cobblestones and market stalls draw the eye directly to the instrument. One droplet hangs from the edge of the lowest key, trembling before falling onto the wet pavement below.