The days after their trip up the hillside stayed calm and bright. Elias and Mara fell into their usual easy rhythm at the shop. They worked side by side and spoke freely and every small touch or look told how close they had grown. But Elias could not help a faint old habit returning from time to time. When a stranger walked past the door or a car slowed longer than needed he would glance up quickly and scan the street. He told himself it was only care not fear but he knew better. His history did not always stay where he left it.
One afternoon near closing time a man stood in the doorway. He did not come in or ask for anything. He just watched from the shade. Elias looked up from his work and his whole body went still. He recognized the way the man stood. It was the same sharp ready stance
