C34 New Beginnings, Lingering Threats

I turned my head, my heart quickening with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.

A figure emerged from the darkness, regularly becoming clearer inside the moonlight. It was Mrs. Thompson, my elderly neighbor from some homes. Her gray hair turned into a smartly tied return, and her eyes sparkled with interest.

“Jacqueline? Is that truly you?” she said, her voice tinged with wonder