So I'm in Amsterdam on a business trip and I'm looking for dinner.
I'm following a canal. The street is narrow and cobbled but cyclists shoot past in both directions unflustered. I cross a bridge and look down at the water, ducks are curled up on boat covers, settling in for the night.
The canal runs in a loop towards the centre and the crowds start to pick up. Bar lights glow out of obscure corners.
Then the windows with red neon strips above them appear. The first one has its curtains closed. The second is open. I look, she looks back. She's in her underwear, standing proud, staring out at the street. She looks about twenty. She motions with her finger for me to come in. She starts to open the door. I feel awkward. I'm fully clothed and she's half naked and I feel awkward. I turn away. A group of young men behind me start to leer and cheer at her. My business day has ended, hers is just beginning.
I need an espresso, I'll just pop into that coffeeshop...
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