As the encounter stretched, Kelly felt the easy line between curiosity and intrusion blur. She moved toward a café window for safety in visibility. The stranger followed, now insisting on continuing the conversation. Kelly's pulse quickened; something in his posture suggested he wanted more than talk. She kept her tone calm, gave short answers, and used the café staff as a buffer — asking the barista a question loudly enough to involve others. The man faltered, offered an awkward apology, and left. Kelly stayed, breathing until her heart settled, then messaged a friend a short note: "Left early from BlackDraw, okay now."