Millie Calloway rides home to her South Bronx apartment at dusk, dressed to avoid attention, but she still gets a persistent, prickly feeling that someone is watching her. She hurries, gripping a can of mace in her pocket until she is safely inside her building.

Millie reflects that the feeling only happens outdoors, which makes her wonder whether the threat is real or whether she is “going crazy.” She also notes that Brock texted to invite her over, but she declined because she is exhausted.

While sorting bills from her mailbox, Millie is interrupted when Xavier, the neighbor with the scar over his left eyebrow, enters the building and greets her with forced cheer. Millie tries to escape by heading for the stairs, but Xavier quickly follows and presses her about her plans for the night.

Xavier repeatedly invites Millie to come to his apartment, contradicts her attempts to refuse, and escalates into sexual comments. He belittles Brock as a “preppy rich kid” and claims Millie “need[s] a real man,” while continuing to keep pace beside her.

Expecting to lose him at the second-floor landing, Millie is alarmed when Xavier keeps climbing toward her apartment. As Millie reaches for the mace, Xavier grabs Millie’s arm hard enough to hurt, leaving Millie realizing she may not make it to safety.