I swiveled back to the address where Vera was. The note in my hand could be a sign that she might be desperately in need of help at the moment. To save time, I ran as quickly as I could, passing the people who watched me in wonder. I forgot that my full-of-stitches old shoes would be easily ripped if I used them carelessly. After taking off the shoes, I kept running. I resumed the journey without my shoes on. I carried them in my hand. I cared no more for my blistered feet.

While running, I flashback to my conversation with Vera in the restroom. That girl possibly put...