Two blocks from Tad’s apartment
Two blocks from Tad’s apartmentTwo blocks from Tad’s apartmentTad had discovered That Thai Place the day after he’d moved in; he’d eaten there almost every day since. On the sidewalk, exotic, spicy aromas hijacked customers, nudging them into the claustrophobic space. The restaurant was ridiculously small—and loud—the noise from the kitchen providing a steady, arrhythmic backbeat. Just below that, the hum of customer chatter filled what auditory space remained. The windows facing the street were lined with a handful of small tables, but most customers stood nearly shoulder to shoulder either waiting to order or to pay for carryout.
Tad had discovered ThatThat’s where Tad was, waiting impatiently in the slow-moving line. Between him and the wiry little woma
