I heard the music start up again, the sounds of car doors slamming as the call was answered, but I listened to a different sound, responded to another summons, and found myself moving irresistibly to­ward the well-­used vacant lot in the rear of the building. I heard a rustling in the weeds, and my heart began to pound.

I approached in the shadow of a tall bush, steadi­ly, calling on an inborn sense of stealth, although there was probably no need. Whoever was in the vacant lot knew they were only yards away from a formidable crowd. They had, by choice, given up any right to privacy.

I wiped the corners of my mouth.

As my eyes became accustomed to the dark, I saw two shapes, two people, sitting on the ground, facing each other. As I came closer, I could hear them talking, and my sense of atmosphere picked up red vibrations of anger in their interchange. I moved ever closer, the cold forgotten, as my curiosity became overwhelming. Their voices rose to meet me.

“I trusted you,” she said softly.

“You still can,” he said.

“Not when you’re out doing—whatever you were doing—with her.”

“It was nothing, Julie. I told you. She needed some help, and I helped her.”

“I bet.” Her voice was full of scorn, of disdain.

“You know, I thought I had made you a woman, but you’re still a child.”

I heard a sharp intake of breath, then the girl slowly got to her feet. The boy rose, too, and they stood face-­to-­face for a moment before she lashed out and slapped him hard across the face. It was so loud I was sure everyone heard it, even inside the hall. I was shocked.

She turned on her heel and stomped back to the hall. I adjusted quickly, hoping my reaction did not send out recognizable vibrations. I needn’t have wor­ried. Though she passed within brushing distance of me, her own emotions were far too loud to allow anything else near. She left without a backward glance.

His hand went to his face. I could almost see the red handprint and hear the buzzing in his ear. His face hurt, his pride hurt, his love hurt. I longed to go to him, yet I hesitated. I didn’t know this person, I didn’t understand the situation, what possible benefit could my presence have? I remained where I was, barely breathing, considering. Considering.