Returning through Hawthorne Park, Clara noticed fresh damage beside the greenhouse. Mud surrounded the gap beneath the council fence. Beyond it, branches moved although there was little wind. She thought she heard someone calling, but the sound disappeared quickly. Then a hooded teenager emerged.
The muddy teenager took one step toward Clara and opened his mouth. Before he spoke, Mr. Grady shouted from behind the greenhouse, ordering him away from the restricted fence. The boy glanced between them, then ran toward his friends. Clara waited for a moment and then walked on.