Determined to get to the bottom of this, I decided to stake out the grocery store. I felt a bit ridiculous at first, sitting in my car with a thermos of coffee and a pair of binoculars, like some amateur detective. Hours passed with no sign of her, and my mind began to wander. I recalled the last time I felt this kind of intrigue—during a corporate merger where I had to piece together fragmented information to make a decision. The stakes were different now, but the feeling was the same: a puzzle with pieces scattered across a board. Just as I was about to call it quits, I saw her. She appeared from around the corner, clutching a small backpack and walking with purpose. I watched as she entered the store, my heart pounding as I debated my next move. Should I approach her? Or wait and see what she does?
She emerged a few minutes later, carrying a small bag. I stepped out of the car and approached her cautiously. ‘Hello again,’ I said, trying not to startle her. She glanced up, recognition flashing in her eyes. ‘Do you remember the note you gave me?’ I asked. She nodded, her expression guarded. ‘Can you tell me what it means?’ She hesitated, her eyes darting around as if checking for eavesdroppers. ‘I can’t tell you here,’ she whispered, ‘but if you really want to know, meet me at the park on Elm Street tomorrow at noon.’ With that, she turned and hurried away, leaving me with more questions than answers.
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