The north wall

Jiajun was where they said they would be. Near the fountain in Central, walking slow circles, the way someone does when they are waiting for you.

I said hi. I said I was right there, that I had brought the planks, and asked where we start.

Let's check the north wall first, Jiajun said. It's the one leaning into the alley. I'll show you where to place the planks.

I told them to lead the way.

Follow me. We'll brace the leaning section first so it doesn't collapse further.

And then they were walking, and I was walking after them, sixteen planks in my bag, toward a wall I had never noticed was leaning.

Our talk ran out of room before we got there. Conversations in this city only hold so many words.

But I know which wall it is now. And I know someone who wants to hold it up.