There was a figure in her yard, and it seemed too tall and broad to be her. It was moving something heavy under a blue tarp toward her side door.
“Karen,” I whispered. “Karen, wake up.”
What?”
“THERE’S SOMEONE IN HER YARD.”
“Probably her son or something. Come back to bed.”
She doesn’t have anyone visit her. Ever.”
“Then call the police if you’re so worried.”
I picked up the phone. Then I put it down. Then I picked it up again.
What would I even say? That my neighbor’s gardening made me nervous? That I saw a shadow?
IN THE MORNING, I WENT OUTSIDE TO GRAB THE PAPER.
There were muddy footprints leading from her backyard to her side door.
Big boot prints. Definitely not hers.
I knocked on her front door. No answer.
I knocked again.
“Mrs. Harper? It’s just me from next door. I wanted to check if you were okay.”
THE CURTAIN IN THE FRONT WINDOW MOVED. JUST A SLIVER.
“Please go away,” her voice came, muffled through the wood. “Please. You’ll only make it worse.”
Worse? Mrs. Harper, who’s in there with you?”
“Nobody.”
“Then open the door.”
“Please. I’m begging you.”
I stood there for what felt like an hour. Then I walked back to my house and sat at the kitchen table, staring at my phone.
JUST CALL THEM,” KAREN SAID QUIETLY BEHIND ME.
“And tell them what? That an old lady asked me to leave her alone?
Then don’t call.”
“But what if something happens to her?”
Karen didn’t answer.
I didn’t sleep that night. And by sunrise, I’d find out I’d waited too long.
RED AND BLUE LIGHTS PAINTED MY BEDROOM WALLS BEFORE THE SUN WAS EVEN UP.
I stumbled to the window, heart pounding. Six officers stood in Mrs. Harper’s backyard, shovels in hand, while neighbors gathered on the sidewalk in their robes.
