Ties
June opened an old ledger to a spread of ties — one floral, one a quiet paisley navy — alongside cufflinks, collar stays, a pocket watch, and a tie bar, with an old fraternity paddle and its red ribbon standing in for a trophy of some earlier occasion.
The finished knot came together on the other side of the diptych, one guest squaring away another’s tie with the unhurried competence of long practice, both grinning at whatever had just been said.