Whispers of the Heart

The Hilton lobby, 1992.

Saxophones are piped through hidden speakers; tai-tais have high tea. A woman hums “Just the Two of Us” while her driver idles. The irony escapes her.

There are revolutions happening somewhere. Here, the revolt is a whisper cushioned by a four-four backbeat. The 80s linger indoors, preserved in air conditioning, while outside, the city sheds its skin.

In time, we'll call this nostalgia. For now, it's just muzak.