One can turn the whole world upside down by sitting motionlessly. It was already done once by a frail old man, wrapped in cotton. Let’s hope that delicate teenage girls can do it, too.
Yet another dry, hot day. I wake up tired, not at all refreshed by the cold night’s air. Mainly because it didn’t get any cooler. I go for an early walk with my dog. Instead of wading in the dewy grass and collecting cold water drops on his snout, he has to force his way through the stiff, yellowed stalks. The dust scratches his throat. He sneezes and goes looking for some relief in the city fountain. The animal stands in the greenish water, panting heavily, right next to a faded sign: Do not enter the water.
The ban is void this season – everyone goes in. Dogs and children wade in the water, adults sit on the brim, soaking their feet. Two gardeners who look after the area just wave their hands dismissively and walk to and fro with watering cans, trying to keep alive the flowers they have planted in the spring. Dry, balding grass is
