Dark Matter is already halfway out the front door before he realizes that he's forgotten to put his cape on. Oh well, he reasons, I'd probably just attract attention for no reason. He decides to leave it, giving the sun full access to his dull blue coat and black mane and tail. Feeling rather naked, he almost decides to run back in and get it, but by then he's to the road and would just look foolish.
Strolling overly casually towards the market square, he manages to avoid contact with most of the ponies he passes, but does feel forced to give a smile and nod to the occasional mare or stallion that manages to come too close.
He eventually comes to a stretch where most ponies seem to be using one side and avoiding the other, for whatever reason. Dark Matter decides to risk passing the small grey filly who seems to be the sole occupant rather than deal with the comparatively crowded other side.