Hayley remains frozen where she is, one hand now on the lock and the other on the door handle, barely preventing her shaking. His words carry easily through the door. She finds herself caught between two anxieties, that of her neighbors possibly knowing about her business and that of having to face the man who so deeply tormented her not that long ago. And so she remains stuck in place for the moment, her mind racing to weight the two against each other while also trying to focus on the more immediate need for a response.

"How do I know this isn't a trick?" Her volume is raised, enough to carry through the door even though she knows he doesn't really need the aid. It feels better to treat him more normally in this particular situation.