Evan told himself he would just walk in the same direction, make sure she was fine, and then be on his way. But when Lena left through the side door of the cafe instead of the main entrance, he followed. She didn’t notice. She walked fast, shoulders tight, slipping into side streets as if avoiding places where she might be recognized.
She took back alleys lined with dumpsters and fire escapes, paths no one used unless they had reasons to stay unseen. This wasn’t the route of someone heading home casually. This was someone avoiding cameras, crowds, and routine. Someone who understood how visibility could become vulnerability.