“Julia, there’s so much food left over. Why don’t you take some home, and you too, Cheryl.” Cheryl replied, “Don’t mind if I do.” She produced some large plastic containers from the office and we filled them to capacity. At least now I wouldn’t have to worry about food for the next day or two while I camped out at Gloria’s house. I stayed while Gale and Cheryl went through the movements of closing the shop for the night, and we three left together, retrieving our cars from the parking area behind the Eye. As Gale closed and locked the shop’s back door, I eyed my handiwork of the previous evening. Gale spoke as if she knew my thoughts: “I’m having Edwin come by tomorrow to remove the plywood and put in some sort of reinforced glass that can’t be broken the same way, or maybe just a solid panel. The metal bars are still good, and hopefully that’ll deter any more back-alley attacks from those cowards.” Cheryl watched silently. “I feel terrible I wasn’t here when it happened.
