Mantello del villaggio

It was still being worn, even where its edge had entered the distances by which others measured a day’s work. We had allowed it only the dimensions of the wearer. There were departures our account could not accommodate, although no one had passed beyond the covering.

The flowering must be entered separately. Nothing there had come through winter. Its persistence made no provision for the body carrying it; the warmth had to come from elsewhere. This remained true where the folds opened and their whiteness continued into places of exposure.

Those living along the edge had little use for the distinction. They reckoned from where they stood, and a journey home could occupy the last of the light.