Rain Soaked Commuters Descend Staircase

Flat noon light from the dry mountains casts a harsh, silver glare across the wet pavement outside a corner cafe. Drizzle turns the asphalt into a mirror, reflecting the gray sky and the dark shapes of commuters descending a steep concrete staircase into the subway entrance. Their coats are dark wool and heavy synthetics, typical of a Los Angeles winter, soaked through at the shoulders. The steps are slick with water, showing the wear of daily foot traffic. A metal railing runs along the side, cold and glistening under the relentless sun. Raindrops bead on the glass storefront of the cafe, blurring the warm interior lights against the cold, gray exterior. at the edge is a single puddle at the bottom of the stairs, rippling as a shoe strikes the surface.