The dark shadows of the giant, heavy oak trees suddenly felt very cold.
Just two seconds ago, Roxy had been smiling. She had been thinking about her warm, beautiful life. She had been thinking about how perfect everything finally was. But the very moment the ragged man stepped out into the middle of the quiet sidewalk, all of that warm peace completely vanished.
Lira stopped walking, bumping gently into Roxy's shoulder. Lira didn't know who this man was. She just thought he was a rude, messy person who wasn't looking where he was going.
"Excuse me, sir," Lira said politely, stepping slightly to the side. "Can we get past you, please?"
The ragged man did not move an inch.
He didn't step to the side. He didn't say excuse me. He just stood there like a solid brick wall, blocking the entire paved path. Up close, he smelled terrible. He smelled like sour sweat, stale cigarette smoke, and damp earth.
Roxy's heart gave a strange, uncomfortable flutter.
