"I was finally free," I thought as the bus drove down the highway. It felt like a fresh start—no more running from the past, no more hiding. I was ready for the next chapter. Ready to embrace love. Ready to meet someone new, to fall in love, to share memories, and to build a future.
But just as I was lost in these thoughts, the bus pulled over and the passengers began to get their bags from the luggage compartment. I sighed and followed the crowd, dragging my suitcase with me.
When I stepped off the bus, I quickly grabbed my things and hailed a taxi to the address my company had given me. A short while later, I was standing at the entrance of a small building. A woman greeted me at the door. "Welcome," she said with a warm smile. We exchanged a few words before she left, saying she was part of the staff. Her name was Jane, and I had to admit she was a lovely lady.
As the sun began to set, I freshened up and went out to grab something to eat. The town was bustling, even in the late hours, with people walking down the streets and shops still open. I bought some fruits, eggs, bread, and condiments, and I thought to myself, "That will do for now." I quickly paid and walked back to my apartment.
But as I walked, I felt someone behind me. At first, I thought it was just someone passing by, but then I realized the steps were getting closer. I tried to quicken my pace, but so did the person behind me. I stopped and turned around, my heart starting to race.
"What do you want?" I whispered, trying to keep my voice steady.
"I want a cigar," he replied in broken pidgin English.
I didn't want to engage, but I handed him some change and tried to walk away. But he followed me. I stopped again, hoping he would go away, but instead, he lunged at me. Before I could react, he covered my mouth with his hand and pressed a small knife to my side.
"Shhhh," he whispered, as he began pushing me toward a nearby bush. My mind raced—I had no choice but to follow him.
When we reached the bush, he shoved me to the ground and tried to force himself on me. The moment he let go of my mouth, I screamed as loud as I could. But he slapped me hard across the face, and my world went quiet for a second as my head spun.
"Please..." I stuttered, a tear slipping down my cheek.
He kissed my neck and started to undo his belt. Panic surged through me, but then I remembered something—this wasn't happening. I wasn't going to let this happen. With a sudden burst of strength, I bit him hard on his arm. He recoiled, and I pushed him off me, stumbling to my feet.
I ran as fast as I could, but he was faster. He caught me, yanking me back and slapping me again. I was too weak to scream, too scared to fight back. I collapsed, unable to move, hoping someone would come.
Just then, I heard a voice. "Is anyone here?"
A beam of light shone through the bushes, and the man quickly backed off, realizing that someone had found us. I screamed again, louder this time, and he ran off into the night. My savior, a stranger, took a photo of him as he fled.
The man helped me stand up, assuring me that I was safe now. He guided me to the nearest police station, where we filed a report.
It wasn't until we were at the station that I realized who my savior was. It was Alvin—the guy I had left behind all those months ago.
After the report, I thanked him repeatedly, but he seemed surprised to see me in such a state. We didn't talk much about the past; there was too much between us. Too many unanswered questions, too much hurt.
I said my goodbyes and left, feeling both relief and confusion. As I walked back to my apartment, I felt Alvin's presence behind me. I thought maybe he was just making sure I got home safely, so I didn't turn around. I just kept walking, until I reached my building and heard him stop.
"You don't have to follow me in," I said, my voice cold, even though part of me didn't want him to go.
He laughed softly. "What? I live here."
I muttered an "Oh," feeling a strange mix of emotions—relief, guilt, something else I couldn't place. I rushed to my room, took a long bath, and lay on my bed, reflecting on everything that had just happened.
I couldn't stop thinking about Alvin. Seeing him again stirred up old feelings I thought were gone. I had left him once because I was too afraid to commit, but now, I realized, I still cared.
As I drifted off to sleep, I promised myself that if anything were to happen between us this time,
I wouldn't run. Not again!