in the dead center of the sidewalk,
blocking my path.
“Oh great. You again.”
Tony blinks,
then tilts his head.
I narrow my eyes. “Andrew send you?”
He hops forward like he’s got something to say.
“Don’t gimme that look.
“I got it under control.”
The lie tastes like a mouthful of pennies.
I move to step around him.
He side-steps, blocking me again.
“Save it. I saidI’m fine.”
I lift a bag-holding hand.
“Not doin’ this with you today, Tony.
“Not in the fuckin’ mood.”
Then a warmplophits my left shoulder,
soaking into the hoodie.
I groan, turning my head slow.
A glob of white and green slides down my black sleeve.
“Yo—bird got you,” someone calls.
“Yeah, thanks, real fuckin’ helpful.”
I nod, my gaze locked on Tony.
“You watched that shit rain down and didn’t flap once?”
I shake my head and start walking.
Two blocks. That’s it.
Don’t cry. Don’t drop the bags.
Left foot. Right foot. Repeat until safe.
But I’m not safe. I’m being attacked.
By signs.
