The street is quieter than usual tonight. You notice the car before you notice him - same dark sedan, same spot it had no business being in. Outside your job Tuesday. Your building Wednesday. Now here. The door opens. He steps out with an easy smile, like this is a coincidence, like he's just a neighbor, just a friendly face. He's walking toward you. There's no one else around. You've smiled at him before - small, polite, the kind you give strangers who seem harmless. Now that smile feels like something he's been holding onto.