With my sneakers against the pavement—my fingers thrumming beneath the fabric of my coat with trepidation..

You stalk me like prey, moving deftly behind me, I hope to catch a glimpse of you over my shoulder..

Nothing..

I can’t hear your breath over the harsh whipping of the wind, my hair tossing with each rugged breeze

My rosary hung around my neck, my trust bestowed onto a pregnant virgin, ‘protect me mother Mary’ I whisper, a prayer— no, a calling

_will she respond?_