The usual way home was under construction. The sunset, the cawing of crows, and the voices of children shouting "See you tomorrow!" could be heard from all around. To think the atmosphere could change this much just by being a little closer to a residential area. I'm slightly surprised by the difference from my usual desolate, silent commute.

My pace naturally quickens. Walking with enough energy to almost skip, a voice that doesn't quite fit the gentle bustle so far reaches me from behind.