She studied him.
He glanced at the chain, then at her face. His expression changed when he saw the fear in her eyes.
He understood, suddenly, how frightening his arrival must look. A stranger had found her address, climbed four flights of stairs, and appeared outside her home shortly before midnight.
He lowered the bags slightly.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I should have realized how this would look. I can leave everything outside and go. You don’t have to let me in.”
Clara looked at the bags.
Through the transparent side of one, she could see several cans of infant formula.
Her eyes filled with tears before she could stop them.
“You really brought it?”
“Yes. Formula, diapers, baby food, and some groceries. I asked the pharmacy to check the age recommendation, but please verify the label before feeding her.”
For a moment, Clara couldn’t speak.
Then she unhooked the chain.
