Who could resist that? Today my checkbook was nestled in my pocket. I thanked God because I hardly ever carried it with me. I charged through as many stores as I could until my arms became heavy with purchases. Sweaters, jeans, shoes, underwear, and more were stuffed into shopping bags. I glanced at my wristwatch and realized how late in the day it was. Outside, the daylight had grown dim. Lights illuminated the parking garage. I scurried toward the car with the expectation I’d find it where I had left it. The Cooper sat under the compact car parking sign where I’d left it—no damage, and no problems. I heaved a sigh of relief as I unlocked the car door. Once the bags were bundled into the back seat, I slid in and backed out of the parking spot. I didn’t feel like cooking, so I left the city for Cranston where I hoped to cadge a meal from my parents. It grew darker as I made my way through traffic. The road forked. I turned and glanced to the right and then the left. I turned back to the right and in that fraction of a second, I realized the woman walking along the sidewalk was none other than the old hag who had robbed me the day before.
