She loved the LSU grounds, but now she walked with vigilance, keeping an eye out for the one she hoped never to see. A chill raced up her spine and she crossed her arms over her chest. She had her job and she enjoyed teaching English and getting young adults fired up about her greatest love. Louisiana was no New York, but Baton Rouge felt good on Maura. She relished the mild fall days and the humid nights that reminded her of home. The inhabitants were proud of their town and heritage, so much so that it made every day seem like a carnival. Jazz tunes could be heard lilting from the gazebo near the center of campus. Rich deep saxophone notes punctuated by trumpet riffs. An on-campus fraternity conducted an outdoor shrimp fry fundraiser. The spices tickled Maura’s nose. She could definitely see herself growing old here, and until Alan’s visit she had felt safe. The reality was that Alan would feel shame for his actions for a while and that humiliation would temporarily keep him at bay, but he’d ultimately come back around.
