∼∞∼ The last vapors of anxiety disappeared in the fresh air. Breathing deeply of the crisp autumn scents, I headed to my favorite place in the city — the waterfront. The river that ran through the heart of Portland was…

∼∞∼ I scanned the distant patrons of the park, searching for her misshapen hat and baggy, drab clothing.  Finding nothing but the usual mix of brightly colored spandex and fashionably layered earth-tones, I turned my gaze to the shadows, peering…

∼∞∼ I dropped the chunk of shoe like a hot coal, heard it clatter against the ground as it rolled under the bench, and started desperately yanking on my feet. Panic had completely taken over; hysteria was just around the…

∼∞∼ I still didn’t understand exactly what was happening. But it was obvious that I would soon be completely stone. And that somehow, the homeless woman was responsible. Nine-one-one had been a dead end, my plight so unbelievable that calling back…

∼∞∼ Emotionally spent, I slumped against the back of the bench, staring limply at the brackish water. I didn’t blame the other patrons for not rushing to my aid. I wouldn’t have either. I’d never gone out of my way…