Caelen had every intention of returning to his friends.

Eventually.

He walked without paying attention to where he was going.

The streets were quieter now. Music still drifted through the night, but softer.

He turned down a side street.

That was when he saw her.

Not dramatically.

No thunder.

No sudden music.

No impossible moment where the entire world stopped.

He simply noticed a woman sitting alone beneath a string of warm lights.

Coral dress.

Glass of water.

One empty chair across from her.

She was smiling.

Not at her phone.

Not at anyone in particular.

Just smiling as though she had discovered some private joke about the universe.

Caelen slowed.

He wasn’t sure why.

He told himself he was deciding where to go.

That wasn’t true.

He was watching her.

Then she looked up.

Directly at him.

Caelen immediately glanced toward the restaurant sign as though he had been deeply interested in its construction.

Smooth.

Very smooth.

When he looked back—

she was laughing.

At him.

He knew it.

What happens when he crosses the street?

Continue reading The Juror.