On Tuesday evening, Clara crossed the park after replacing two damaged posters. One of the teenagers stepped away from the pavilion when Clara approached. He raised a hand and called, “Excuse me, ma’am.” Clara remembered the theft reports and crossed the road before he reached her. Looking back, she saw him stop beside the curb.
She reminded herself they were probably not going to hurt her. Still, Henry’s generous view of young people felt harder to adopt without him. Clara chose the better-lit path and avoided looking behind her. Before reaching home, she heard footsteps following briefly, then stopping when she crossed the busy road.