The van remained still. Watching. Eleanor opened the driver’s door and placed the groceries inside without breaking eye contact with the vehicle. “Up,” she said quietly. Rex climbed into the passenger seat and sat upright, facing forward, but his ears remained angled toward the van. She closed the door. Walked around the front of the car slowly. Got in. Locked it immediately.
Her hands were steady when she started the engine. She checked the rearview mirror. The van did not move. She shifted into reverse. The van remained still. She pulled out of the space. As she turned toward the lot exit, the van rolled forward. Not fast. Not aggressive. Just enough to follow. Her jaw tightened. “Alright,” she said quietly, eyes fixed on the mirror.