When I’m walking in front of a stopped car at an intersection, I always attempt to make eye contact with the driver to make sure they are paying attention as I walk in front of their car. In Baltimore, however, this can easily be misinterpreted. Any hint of a smile as your eyes lock, any nod of your head in recognition of that connection… And you could suddenly appear to be a prostitute looking for a John.

It happened to me, oh yes it did. In Canton on the outskirts of Highlandtown I crossed. Looking cute but still in flip flops, not too dressed up but with a little bling, he nodded then smiled. I smiled back, thanks to a polite Midwestern upbringing, then immediately thought his smile was ever so slightly creepy. I instantly looked forward and felt him watch me as I walked by. I positioned myself on the other side of a sign as I walked away, attempting to block his view if he was watching.

The rattling I had noticed from his car suddenly seemed slightly louder, and I wondered if he’d inched up his car so that he could see me walk away. Alert, I kept walking and listening, and a minute or two later he turned and drove slowly down the street in my direction. I didn’t look, didn’t do anything but look forward and keep walking as his car rattled past and away.