The unexpected occurs as she nears the third-floor landing. The stairway door 
suddenly bursts open with a thump, letting a skinny male adolescent in a tee and 
shatjeans onto the landing. He doesn’t seem to notice Tikki until he’s reaching
for the handrail and starting down the steps, coming right at her. He merely 
glances at her, his face showing no expression. Hurrying on, he goes right past 
her.