The Demise of the City Is Greatly Exaggerated

The Chicago River glitters green in the morning sun as we walk along its banks, but for some reason I feel melancholy.

“There’s all these tie-ups, and all these former factories on the river, but the river itself is empty, and the factories are all restaurants and condos,” I say.

“I see those tie-ups as potential,” she replies thoughtfully. “It’s cold right now, but soon this river is going to be full of people on their boats, cruising around, spending money, because Chicago summers are awesome!”