22
“ Can I help you ?”
“ No thank you ,” I say , trying not to look at the young man who has stopped in front of me . Maybe , if I don ’ t make eye contact , he ’ ll leave me alone .
“ You look like you need help ,” he says . “ No , I ’ m fine ,” I say . He frowns . “ You don ’ t remember me ?” “ Why would I remember you ?”
He shakes his head with a derisive smile . “ Where are you going then ?” he asks , like he already knows the answer .
I stiffen . “ Why are you asking ?”
He takes a step back . My eyes , stinging from the sun and wind , focus on his face . I feel a surge of déjà vu . He has black hair and rosy cheeks . He ’ s wearing some kind of costume . Or is it a uniform ? It ’ s red . He has on shiny black shoes .
“ Are you the new resident ?” he says . “ I work at the apartment on Winterview Avenue .”
you .”
“ Is that your uniform ?” I ask . He laughs . “ Come on . The apartment is ready for
“ I think this must be a mistake ,” I say . “ I ’ m looking for 136 Winterview Avenue .”
“ That ’ s the one ,” he says . We continue down the sidewalk . Then he gestures towards a grand set of doors .