The city of Amsterdam once had a milk processing plant in its center, just as New York had its meat district. Right next to the tourist trap that is Leidseplein, a square of outdoor cafes, and a stone's throw from Paradiso, the rock palace, this old milk factory sat in an unassuming little street with an almost medieval moat in front of its brick facade. A bridge, not the kind that can be drawn, led to its double front doors.
This building achieved notoriety as the "Milky Way" once it had been converted into a performance hall in the 1970s. Prince, U2, Run DMC, and Nick Cave gave surprise concerts there for small audiences that had a choice between dancing or lying on a massive pillow - there were no seats. The live concerts were interspersed with DJ nights, usually until 2:00 AM, and every night hundreds of bicycles parked in front of the moat provided evidence of its popularity.
Tall girl was there often, always alone, never in conversation. She danced with herself, absorbed in some physical introspection that was clear from her faint smile and closed eyes. She radiated liberation from a upper class upbringing, unrestrained carelessness, and yet she seemed to be in full control. Tall girl never opened her eyes to see who was around her. She never spoke. She never seemed to arrive or leave.
