Surreal Biltong and Droëwors by Window

Dark cured strips of biltong and braided droëwors rest on a white ceramic plate near a window in Bellavista. Predawn darkness fills the room, illuminated only by the warm glow of string lights draped nearby. A giant koi fish floats overhead, suspended like a living parade balloon, its scales reflecting the string lights. The fish casts a soft shadow across the clean tabletop. Thin slices of meat show textured grain under the warm light. The ceramic plate sits still against the dark background. The fish's tail curves gently above the food tray. One reflection of the fish's eye appears on the plate's rim.