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I fisted a handful of gold thread and focused concentrated heat through the metal fibers until they melted and reformed into a gold coin. Then I tossed the coin in the next basket. This step in the gold-making process took so little concentration that my mind drifted to Conrad.

Conrad. Human. Maker of books, student of history and languages, and player of music. His last two visits made me want to get to know him more. I hoped he would come again, but I also hoped he would stay away.