I saw him again as he hurried round a corner and threw another anxious glance behind him. It'd been raining, and my feet slipped a little over the cobblestones, the cold air rushing into my ears for an instant headache. I'd circle round the hill and meet him on the other end of the street. I made a snap decision and broke into a sprint. I didn't know him, but I couldn't just let this happen. If I called to the young man, would that make him look again? If I followed him, that definitely wouldn't help. But I'd never seen it hunt in real time before, never been the bystander as it got started. I wouldn't have been allowed to do this job without at least some preparation. I knew about the Thing Behind You, even back then. I didn't approve of that so much.Īnd then I saw his shadow become ever so very slightly larger. I saw him throw a look over his shoulder as he passed. I approved of the coat, and his sensible woven scarf. I left with my battered prize and was about to sink my teeth in when I saw him.Ī young man, dark haired, coat turned up against the cold. For those who don't live in regions where this exquisite cuisine is possible, you're just going to have to believe me that it's good.

I was - I'm just going to be honest with you - out late at night, mildly tipsy, buying a deep fried Mars bar. It's convenient, because this is also the story of how I met George. You know how strong that instinct is, that you shouldn't look, and you know that nobody told you - you got it from somewhere deep within you.)

So I thought I'd write something about those rules, to help explain, and to help deter the few of you who think you'll go around glaring defiantly behind you as if you can prove me wrong. Don't look in mirrors in dark rooms, don't look over your shoulders at what might be following you, don't rush or act afraid when you sense something behind you, and so on. I'm glad I've helped so many people stay informed and stay safe, though I hope I haven't scared you off Edinburgh - it's a beautiful city!Ī lot of you mentioned the rules about spaces behind you.

When I wrote yesterday about never sleeping with your head towards a door, I admit, I was honestly a little overwhelmed by all the comments and positive responses.

Scared look over the shoulder