Scenarios

Sincerest Apologies

I turn into the path up to the house, resisting the urge to look over my shoulder. I walk up the steps to the door and knock. After a few moments a middle aged woman opens up. "Can I help you?" She asks warily. I politely bow. "My sincerest apologies, ma'am, but I fear I'm being followed. It would help me out a great deal if you could let me come just inside until they move on. May I?" I explain. She subtly looks over my shoulder, examining the street I just left. "I suppose it couldn't hurt. For a few minutes," She says. She steps aside and I slip inside. She promptly closes the door. The foyer is nice. It's a short, thin hallway that leads to what looks like a kitchen. The only light comes from the ceiling light above us. "Thank you. You're too kind," I say. She takes a few steps back and folds her hands in front of her. "Happy to help," She says. I smile at her. I turn around and see a peephole in the door. I look trough it. It's not super clear, but I get a good enough look at the street. I see the person who was following me looking up at the house. After a few moments of watching, he continues down the street. I sigh in relief. "I think he's left." I say. I turn back around. The woman looks concerned. "Would you like me to call the police?" She asks. I shake my head. "No, I don't think that'll be necessary," I assure her. I bow once again. "Thank you so much for allowing me some shelter," I say. "Once again, I'm sorry for any inconvenience I gave you." She shakes her head quickly. "No, no. You're fine, darling. I'm happy to help." She smiles, and I smile back. I open the door and exit the house. She waves goodbye as I walk back down to the street. I wave back and then continue on my way home.