CLAIRE
I noticed him before he turned around, moving down the sidewalk with his hood up and his shoulders drawn inward, walking like the city needed to clear a path for him. He headed toward the park path, hands deep in his pockets, pace too fast for someone out for air. The moment I followed, his step shifted slightly, weight adjusting like he had already clocked my presence without looking back. He kept moving anyway, choosing distance over acknowledgment.
"Aiden."
He stopped immediately.
No hesitation, no confusion. Just a sharp stop, like the choice had already been made and he waited for me to speak first. He kept his back toward me for a moment, then turned his head enough to show part of his face. His voice came out even and guarded, the same tone he used when reporter
