I didn’t go out the back door to face the crowd.

I walked to the side entrance near the driveway, the small door we usually used for bringing in groceries.

I checked the deadbolt on the wooden frame, testing the latch with my thumb.

It worked smoothly.

I stepped out onto the warm concrete and pulled the door firmly shut behind me.

I carried my suitcase down the sloping concrete to my car parked on the street.

I pressed the key fob to open the trunk and placed my bag inside next to my emergency roadside kit.