In late 2022, I picked up Saul Leiter’s photography collection from a bookstore. I was drawn to his ability to capture the most private human experiences in a busy, big world. I immediately purchased the book. In early 2023, amid layoffs, lack of recruiting jobs, and extensive change in my life, I was flipping through the collection of photos when the idea struck; to write a short story each day inspired by one of the photos.