Her request to leave, now, prompted him to ask what was wrong.
“Look up. No, not straight up, down the street. I don’t… want to point.”
A moment later he believed he located her concern. “The shoes?” A dozen pair of sneakers dangled from their laces across a thin pole, the remnant of an abandoned sign.
“This isn’t a good neighborhood,” she said. “Let’s get an Uber.”
“It’s nothing. Don’t believe those urban legends about gangs. Probably a neighborhood practical joke. Let’s keep walking.”
“I want to leave. Please.”
He looked back at her, realizing he wouldn’t win this battle.
Friday Fictioneers is a weekly flash fiction challenge.
The Diligent Dilettante 
Better safe than sorry, I always say. They can always return if they know more about the neighbourhood.
Originally I didn’t notice the shoes in the photo, but now they do make the neighborhood look suspect. She’s probably right to leave.
Sometimes the emotions of others are more important than reality.
Good story. 🙂
I’m glad he’s going to let her win this one. Those shoes are a definite warning.