It was a tall man in a long black coat. His face was partly hidden by a scarf and the raised collar, but even that was enough to make him look frightening. He seemed to be waiting for someone. From time to time he glanced around, then fixed his gaze back on the house.

The girl began to feel uneasy. Her father’s words came back to her mind.

The man noticed her. His eyes grew heavy and wary. He took a few steps forward, as if checking whether there were any witnesses nearby. The street was empty: no passers-by, no cars. The girl felt her heart pounding in her chest, her palms sweating. The man quickened his pace.