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morning.”
    Kathy shivered, whether from standing barefoot on the cold tile or from the verbal assault, either way it was immaterial, she’d broken the rules and would have to pay the price. However indirectly involved in disturbing her neighbor’s sleep, the truth of the matter was, the buck stopped with her. She prayed he’d be reasonable, confrontation of any kind was abhorrent to her, and the aggressor was a formidable man with an intimidating presence. She’d glimpsed him entering his apartment only last week, admittedly it was brief and only from behind, but he was a giant of a man, and she sure as heck had no desire to cross swords with him.
    Yes, an apology was called for, and she resigned herself to that fact as she tiptoed out of the apartment and down to the front lawn cradling Cindy in her arms.
    The air was crisp and Kathy stood on the dewy grass waiting for the puppy to perform. She prayed no one would see her in her faded and worn nightwear. When Cindy did the expected, she scooped her up and hurried back to the apartment, glad to be leaving the cool night air. Once inside, she was reluctant to leave the dog alone in the laundry fearing another episode so took the puppy to her room and placed her on the bed.
    “Now you behave,” she told the little dog. Cindy obliged, and stretching out, rested her head on her tiny paws. Kathy switched off the bedside lamp, snuggled down under the covers, and fell into a fitful sleep.
    The early sunlight filtering through the sheer curtaining hours later caressed and warmed. It was going to be another scorcher.
    Kathy tilted her chin toward the open window and reveled in the feeling of the sweet morning breeze on her skin.
    Not one to waste the day, she arched her back like a cat and stretched, rolled onto her side and slowly opening her eyes blinked. Her lips formed an ‘O’ and a startled cry almost escaped. Curled in a contented ball on the pillow beside her was Cindy.
    With the culprit blinking back at her, the whole frightful episode of the night before was brought sharply back. Kathy cringed; the task ahead was unpalatable. Salvage mode was on the agenda.
    She gave the pup a quick scratch behind the ear, tossed back the covers and slipped out of bed. The apology would be made right after her run. No point delaying the inevitable, but it was still early, not quite seven, and the creep probably wouldn’t appreciate being woken at this hour, not even for an apology.
    Kathy donned her gear ready for her morning run, a ritual she’d performed since arriving at this quaint seaside town. She pulled on her runners, fastened her hair into a high ponytail, and headed for the kitchen with Cindy trailing behind.
    Liz was already dressed and seated at the table sipping coffee when Kathy wandered in.
    “Good morning, I didn’t expect to see you up so early,” Kathy greeted her. “How did you sleep?”
    “Like a baby, how about you?” she said picking up the puppy for a cuddle.
    “Not so good, in fact Cindy and I had quite an eventful night.”
    “Whatever do you mean? I didn’t hear a thing.”
    “I’m not surprised Liz, I always said you could sleep through a bomb going off!”
    Liz listened as Kathy recounted the early morning events. “You wouldn’t believe that such a tiny speck could create such a ruckus as to rouse the neighbors, but that’s just what Cindy did. I nearly jumped out of my skin when he started banging on the wall and shouting obscenities. He was real angry not that I could blame him, it was three forty-five in the morning.”
    “Gee Kath, I’m sorry.”
    “Yeah, me too, nothing for it now but to apologize and pray he doesn’t make a formal complaint and have me evicted.”
    “This is my fault. I’ll make the apology and if any groveling has to be done then I’ll do it, and on my knees if I have too.”
    “It’s not your fault, there was no choice so don’t sweat it. I’ll do it when I get back from my run, on a full stomach of