MILENA POV:
After a long, exhausting day at the restaurant, I decided a stroll might help clear my mind. My foster parent still wasn't back from work, and with the restaurant already locked up for the night and it being my responsibility to manage it I finally had some time to myself.
Reaching into my bag, I pulled out my headphones and slipped them over my ears. The familiar beat of my favorite song lifted my mood, and I hummed along softly, letting the rhythm guide my steps down the quiet street.
Then I heard footsteps behind me fast, heavy, too close. My stomach sank.
"Hey, girl, where do you think you're going all alone?" a rough voice sneered.
I froze, panic clawing at my chest. I tried to step back, but the street was narrow. "L-let me go!" I stammered, my voice shaking.
Before the stranger could grab me, a firm, commanding voice cut through the night. "I said, back off."
A figure stepped between us tall, strong, moving with a dangerous confidence that made my heart race. The man harassing me froze, fear flashing in his eyes, and then he bolted into the shadows without another word.
I pressed my back against the wall, trembling. The stranger's eyes met mine, sharp and unreadable, and he spoke again, his voice low but serious. "You should be careful. Avoid walking down quiet streets alone."
Then, without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving me with a pounding heart, trembling legs, and more questions than answers. I ran without looking back.