Pushing along in a river of people in midday Manhattan I saw a woman in the street approaching the sidewalk; an older woman. She was assessing the step, trying to find the right rhythm for the distance remaining. Her concentration made her lips pierce. Another guy saw this; a young guy. Without words he held out his hand, at a high point; a regal level. Her velvet glove accepted his glove and she hoisted herself onto the curb. He released, and shuffled along to resume his agenda, anonymously.