"She's right", Hirlem thinks. If he doesn't start being more careful, something's going to go wrong. His fear drains through the floor as monie's familiar figure moves across it. Hirlem's heart is still racing as they exchange the usual signs of affection. The feeling between them is the familiarity and security of an old key hitting an old lock.Moments later, they don their public attitudes and head outside into the smoggy night.