My Little Neighbor Didn’t Let Anyone Into His Home Until a Police Officer Arrived and Stepped Inside

The sound echoed all the way down the street.

I stood there, old and useless in my robe, and then shuffled back inside.

I didn’t sleep much after that.

The next day, I watched his house like it was my job.

Usually, after school, he’d come out with his skateboard.

That day, nothing.

Four o’clock. Five. Six.

Porch dark.

Curtains unmoved.

By seven, my stomach felt like a clenched fist.

I baked a pie to give my hands something to do. Apple. The one thing I still know how to do without a recipe.

When it cooled, I carried it next door and knocked.

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