He is about my age, with longish black hair. Walking towards us on the sidewalk, he looks at me with wide, concerned eyes. “ Why are you walking on this sidewalk in barefeet?” I smile and hold up the sandals in my hand. “My sandals broke.” “But there are people's... around here. There's...” “It's okay,” I shrug, “I don't have much choice. It's not so bad. And I'm trying to watch where I step.” I smile again, trying to appease his concern. “Do you want mine?” I look down at his sandals, then back up at him. He is earnest, still a little wide-eyed. I chuckle. “Thank you, but I'm okay.” “What's your name?” he asks. “I'm Beth,” I answer. “I'm Devin!” my friend pipes up. “Hi Beth. Hi Devin. I'm Paolo.” He turns back to me, “You're very pretty.” “Ah, thank you...” I say uncertainly. There is the briefest of pauses, his head tilted slightly to the side. “Would you consider yourself a very spiritual person?” he ask...