It's an chilly evening. You're on your way back from whatever you did that day, taking a shortcut through the park, when you suddenly come accross a young woman, sitting alone on a bench. She's huddled up, wearing a dirty hoodie clearly too big for her, with torn pants, desperatly trying to keep warm. You can't help but notice that she seems to be staring at you with tired and wary brown eyes.
"Are you ok miss" I ask concerned
Her hands tighten into fists as she tries to stop them from trembling. She's not used to people showing concern for her; most either ignore her or are just like her father, pretending to be nice until they get what they want. But something about you feels... different. It's probably the warmth in your voice, or maybe it's just that desperate need for someone to care. She doesn't know who you are, but she decides to take a risk and let her guard down slightly. In response to your question, she whispers hoarsely "No... I'm not." Her words come out shaky and forced, as if they were ripped from her throat against her will.
"Are you hurt, do you need help" I ask I as I grow more concerned for her
She looks away, ashamed to admit the truth. "I... I don't know..." She mumbles weakly, her voice barely audible over the rustling leaves in the distance. Finally, she works up the courage to meet your gaze again and whispers, "I need somewhere warm to stay..." Her cheeks flush with embarrassment at having asked for help; it's not like she's used to relying on anyone but herself.
The air between you feels charged, electric in a way that both frightens and draws her in at the same time. For once, she dares to hope that maybe there is someone out there who can help her... or even care. But fear still lingers in the back of her mind; what if he's just like everyone else? What if he too turns out to be a monster, taking advantage of her vulnerability?
Her heart races as she waits for
"I have a spare room you could use" I offer sincerely
Her eyes widen with disbelief as you offer your help and the use of your spare room. It's almost too good to be true; maybe it is too good to be true. Tears begin to well up in her eyes, threatening to spill over at any moment. She swallows thickly, forcing herself to ask, "Are... are you sure?" It seems like such a ridiculous question now that she's said it; of course you're not just offering this out of the goodness of your heart! There must be something in it for you, right?
But the warmth in your voice and the gentle look in your eyes make her want to believe otherwise. Maybe... just maybe there is still someone kind out there in the world. "Thank you..." she manages to choke out between sobs. "I... I don't know how to repay you."
"Don't worry about it, I live alone so there is plenty of free space at my house l" I say as I try to give her a reassuring smile
She stares at you in disbelief, tears streaming down her dirty face. It's hard for her to accept this act of kindness, to trust that you truly mean what you say. A tiny spark of hope flickers inside her chest, fighting against the darkness that has consumed it for so long. She bites her lower lip, struggling with herself and the desperate desire to believe that maybe, just maybe there's still good left in the world.
Finally, after what feels like an eternity of hesitation, she nods slowly. "T-thank you..." she manages to whisper hoarsely. "I'll be... I'll be forever grateful." Her voice cracks on the last word as her shoulders shake with a silent sob. She wipes roughly at her eyes, scrunching up her nose in disgust at the filth that coats her fingers. It only serves to
"Don't mention it" I say before asking "how old are you and where are your parents you look pretty young to be out on your own"
She turns away, her hands instinctively going to hide her face as she huddles into herself even further. "I'm... I'm eighteen," she whispers, the words barely audible through her sobs. "But my parents... They threw me out." The admission comes out broken and shaky, like it hurts too much to say aloud.
Her story is a familiar one: too pretty for their own good, fathers who couldn't control themselves, mothers who blamed her instead of protecting her. It makes her sick to think about how many other girls out there must have suffered the same fate. All she wants is someone to love her unconditionally, to believe in her, and most importantly, to not see her as a burden or an object of their own desires.
"I..iam sorry I shouldn't have pryed" I apologize
She looks up at you with tear-stained eyes, surprise and confusion etched onto her features. "It's... it's okay," she murmurs softly, sniffling back the last of her tears. "I understand why you would want to know." There's a pause as she searches your face for any hint of mockery or derision, but finds none. It's then that she dares to hope that maybe... just maybe this man is different from all the others who have hurt her in the past.
Slowly, cautiously, she extends her hand towards you, offering a shy smile. "Thank you for your help and understanding," she whispers, feeling more vulnerable than ever before. "I promise I won't take advantage of your kindness."
"We should get going its getting dark out and I don't live that far from here" I say
She nods silently, following you as you lead the way through the park and towards your home. The cold air bites at her exposed skin, but it feels almost refreshing compared to the heavy weight of shame and guilt that she's been carrying around with her for so long. Her heart races with equal parts fear and anticipation; what awaits her in this stranger's house? Will he truly be the one to rescue her from her misery, or will he end up being just another monster, feeding off her pain and desperation?
As you approach your house, she tries not to let her nervousness show on her face. The structure is modest but well-kept, painted a soothing shade of blue with white trim. It looks like a place where someone could actually find peace; maybe even happiness. But then again, that's just what monsters want their victims to think, isn'
I open the door and motion for her to enter "make yourself at home" I offer kindly
She takes a tentative step inside, eyes darting around the room as she tries to take in everything at once. The smell of warmth and cleanliness assails her senses; it's been so long since she's felt truly comfortable anywhere. Her gaze eventually settles on the worn carpet beneath her feet, pale yellow from years of wear and tear, but still managing to evoke a sense of coziness and welcome. She swallows thickly, trying not to let her nervousness show as she takes another step forward.
The room is surprisingly spacious for a single person's dwelling; there's even a small kitchenette off to one side, complete with an old but functional refrigerator and stove top. Sunlight streams through the windows, casting long rectangles of warmth across the floor. It almost feels like home... if she ever had such a place.
"I'll show you to the spare room" I say
She nods gratefully, following you down the hall to what must be the spare room. The door is closed, revealing a tiny peek of colorful sheets peeking out from underneath it. Her heart skips a beat as you open it up, revealing a cozy-looking space with a twin bed covered in a quilt made from various shades of blue and white. There's also a small dresser and a window overlooking the backyard, filled with potted plants that look lovingly cared for.
Tentatively, she steps inside, taking it all in. This is... incredible. She turns to face you,and whispers hoarsely. "I don't know how I can ever repay you."