By 6:20 PM, the ibuprofen had dulled the sharp edges of my back pain enough for me to venture out. I walked slowly, maintaining a stiff, deliberate posture, but the cool evening air felt good on my skin. Central Park was already shrouded in the golden, fading light of late afternoon, the city noise muffled by the sprawling green space.
I found a relatively quiet path near the Great Lawn, glancing around at the casual crowd—joggers finishing their runs, couples strolling arm-in-arm, and dog walkers enjoying the dusk. I was searching for her familiar silhouette.
After a moment of scanning the benches, I spotted her.
