Preparations

“Watch out!” a woman of thirty-five shouted to Charles as he dashed by.
His pace had not abated, and here he had reached his cousin’s apartment. Exhausted, he rang the buzzer, and was admitted.
Rory had been up for an hour or so.
“What’s your deal today?”
“It’s Saturday, it’s getting darker, and it’s a last day for sunshine.”
“Tell me about it.”
“I saw your friend Luther on the footpaths today.”
“Oh really? That’s weird.”
“He looks very dedicated to running.”
“I was hanging out with him last night. We were supposed to go to a party at this kid Ted’s house, but he passed out, and I only ended up going because it was on my way home.”
“Cool chicks?” “I got a girl’s number.”