I was really hoping Robert would be here for this.

Putting down the dish towel, I collect both trash bags and walk out the front door. The business district is usually less crowded at this time of the evening. I move quickly, wanting to be back inside within a minute. Lifting the lid of the garbage bin in the back alley, I toss in one bag after the other, then shut it again. Turning around, I’m ready to run back into the cafe when my heart sinks in dread. Two figures are blocking my path, ...