"I wiped water from my face and thought, Time to go. But I remained. "Thanks for an interesting evening," she said, after a pause. "You're not a bad guy, for a stalker." I gave her a half smile. "That's what people tell me." There was an odd moment of quiet. Then she stepped in close and hugged me, her face against my shoulder. I was surprised. My arms moved reflexively around her. Just a little comfort, I thought. You were rough on her before. Let her go feeling good."