As he ran, he thought about everything and anything, about the life he'd led, the children, the snatches of time frozen in his mind: a moment when he'd gotten shot in an alley, and the flash of the man who'd shot him; the first sight of a newborn daughter; his mother's face, crabby with an early morning slice of toast in her hand, her image as clear in his mind as it had been twenty-five years earlier, on the day she died…. They all came up like portraits and landscapes hanging on the wall of his memory, flashes of color in the black-and-white night.
As the protagonist runs, his thoughts swirl around the events of his past, reflecting on pivotal moments that have shaped his life. He recalls vivid memories, such as the chilling experience of being shot in an alley and the fleeting image of his attacker. These snapshots of history serve as reminders of both trauma and joy, creating a rich tapestry of experiences that haunt and inspire him.
Among these memories, the sight of his newborn daughter stands out, representing hope and new beginnings. He also thinks of his mother, her image etched in his mind, embodying the warmth of family despite the sadness of her loss. Each memory, whether joyous or painful, adds depth to his identity, illuminating his journey through life against the stark backdrop of time.
