Permanent Record

by Mary H.K. Choi

It’s almost the best season—summer—when you’re never, ever lonely in New York. The city keeps you company, especially when everyone you know is hanging out outside, sitting on stoops or eating off folding tables on the street. You can hear every song you’re in the mood for from passing cabs, and when you leave the house first thing in the morning and if you have a little walking-around money, you can stay out until it’s dark. If I just get to summer I’ll be okay.