Chapter 5
Sophia was dressed for the day. She wore a simple blouse and dark pants. A practical bag was slung over her shoulder and it rested on her hip. Adam knew she was a teacher at a nearby school.
She had started the job only a short time ago. She had moved into the apartment building a few months prior.
In that time he had learned her routine. He had also learned that she kept to herself. She did not speak much to anyone in the building. She was quiet and serious.
She finished locking her door. The click of the deadbolt echoed softly in the quiet hallway. She turned ready to head to work. Her gaze landed directly on Adam.
He was standing in front of his own door. He was frozen. He was looking straight at her. The moment their eyes met Adam reacted. It was an instant and panicked movement.
He abruptly jerked his head away. He turned his attention back to his own door. He acted as if he had been intensely focused on it the entire time. He began fumbling with his keys and the lock.
His movements were suddenly clumsy and uncertain. The key scraped against the metal plate around the keyhole.
Sophia watched him for a second. Her hand was still on her doorknob. A look of surprise crossed her face. In her mind Adam was a remarkably hardworking person. She did not know him but she knew his schedule.
Despite his youth he labored with a consistency that she admired in a way.
He seemed driven by a powerful force. Since she first moved in her schedule and his had become familiar counterpoints in the building’s quiet life.