It was a long pool reflecting back the government buildings encircling it, and he sat on its perch at its one end.  Thousands and thousands in coins of all kinds covered the pool floor.  It had to be traditional for those summoned to the government to use the pool as a wishing well, so that he understood when he then saw a woman kiss a bracelet and drop it in the water.  He too had come to this government office, but — before crossing the street to climb the steps — had first wanted to spend time gathering himself by the pool.  But that is not what the woman had done.  She too had stopped poolside before the climb, and yet made no fuss of it — she had simply sacrificed something of value and moved on.  In his memory, he then aimed for the steps and ran them two at a time, stunned by how little he suddenly cared whether he got pardoned or fined, or for the watch he just left behind.