I had to go to the grocery store at 2 a.m. There was the cashier and another man who kept making eye contact. I paid fast and left. On my way home, I heard footsteps—I looked back, and it was that man. He said, “Why so fast, miss?” I hurried, but he was still behind me. Suddenly, I heard a scream. I turned, and, shocked, I found that the cashier……was running toward us, waving his arms and shouting. For a split second, I thought the situation had gone from uncomfortable to dangerous. My heart pounded as the cashier reached us, out of breath and pale. “Miss, wait!” he called out. “You left your wallet at the counter.” For a moment, everything froze—the streetlights humming above us, the cold air burning in my lungs, and the man beside me staring in confusion. Then the cashier looked at him and frowned. “Sir, I told you not to leave the store. Police are on their way. Please stay where you are.” My fear turned into bewilderment as the man raised his hands defensively, mumbling something about misunderstanding. Continue reading…
