The alarm blared at 7:00 AM. It was that J-pop song she used to love. Hearing it every morning had fixed that.
She rolled over and slapped it quiet. Lying still, she watched the ceiling fan complete a slow, clicking rotation before she finally sat up.
Her grey hoodie, its cuffs comfortably frayed, hung on the door right where she'd left it. She pulled it on. The sleeves were a little shorter than she remembered, but that always happened after a run through the dryer.
In the kitchen, the cereal box stood waiting on the counter, the cartoon sun on its front grinning its usual wide grin. She poured a bowl, added milk, and ate. The first spoonful tasted faintly of cardboard, the way it always did when the box was nearly empty.
After rinsing the bowl and leaving it on the counter, she checked her phone.
One new message from David.
Meet me at the corner café. Usual time.
A smile touched her lips before she even thought about it. She slipped on her shoes and stepped outside.
Her walk through the neighborhood followed the same familiar script. The two dogs trotted up to their fence to bark a cheerful greeting. The house a few lots down still wore its awful seafoam green paint. And the blue sedan at the curb was still there, its one flat tire looking permanent. A shady-looking man peered into its windows. Claire ignored him and continued on her way.
The electronic chime above the coffee shop door pinged as she stepped inside. He was already there, and he looked up as she entered. He smiled.
Hey, Claire, he said.
Claire walked over to his usual booth, her fingers trailing along the worn vinyl before she slid in. Hey, David. You beat me here, as usual. The universe would probably stop if you were ever late.
David took a drink, but seemed to flinch.
Claire sighed, soft and content. She let her bag drop to the floor beside her feet. Her gaze drifted to the window for a moment. There was that guy again. She pushed the thought away. That little smile was still playing on her lips. Getting your text is the highlight of my morning. It's the one thing my phone does that doesn't feel like a chore. I was walking over and I realized… I already knew exactly how you'd be sitting when I walked in. Hands around your mug, looking thoughtful. It's a nice thing to know.
David's eyebrows raised for a moment. He scoffed. Oh, so you're some sort of prophet now? Look at you, the almighty Claire. What, is your name short for 'clarity'? His lips curved up with each word, before a laugh broke out of him.
A quiet laugh escaped Claire as she shook her head. Only you would make that connection. My parents just liked the sound of it. But… I'll take it. 'Clarity Whitmore.' Has a certain ring to it, doesn't it? She leaned forward, folding her arms on the table. Maybe I just pay attention. You're a creature of comfortable habit, David. I remember you used to listen to that one album on repeat for an entire summer. You analyzed every lyric. She reached out and tapped the side of his coffee mug with one finger. So, a prophet? No. Just someone who remembers. Now, what was so important?
David's expression hardened briefly. Well, I just had this feeling something big was going to happen today. Like, a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach. That intuition isn't wrong usually. So, I figured we could stick together today. There's been reports of more robberies in town.
The playful light in her eyes softened. She reached across the table, her hand covering his. Your intuition is usually pretty spot on. I appreciate you looking out for me. She gave his hand a gentle squeeze before withdrawing. I did see a man acting strangely on my walk over. Peering into that blue sedan with the flat tire. Gave me a weird vibe. So, what did you have in mind?
David took another sip. Figured we could catch a movie, maybe have an easy dinner. Just something peaceful. Maybe shop a bit? I'll drive us, and we can get groceries and stuff for our places.
The words slipped out before she could stop them. A real date, then.. She cleared her throat, gaze dropping to the table before meeting his. Sounds lovely. Nothing too stressful. She tilted her head, studying him. You're in a very take-charge mood today. I like it.
The two left the shop. David opened the car door for Claire, guiding her in first. He sat in the driver's seat. As they began to drive, he spoke. So, anything on your mind?
Claire watched the familiar streets slide past the window, her reflection faint. For a moment, she was quiet. My walk felt different this morning. I can't explain it. The usual things were all there, the dogs, the ugly house… but it felt heavier. Like the air was waiting for something. She turned her head to look at him. But right now, with the heater humming and you driving… it feels okay. It feels like before. In a good way. Maybe she was just imagining things.
David glanced her way. Don't be silly. It's probably just you being paranoid after all that heavy talk and those reports. When David's gaze met the road again, he hit the brakes hard.
Claire lurched forward, but her seatbelt locked, forcing her back into place. In the road, there stood a dog. It looked lost and terrified.
David put the vehicle in park, and got out. It was a medium-sized dog, its fur matted and ribs just visible.
Claire's heart clenched. Oh, the poor thing. She watched him approach slowly, hands out, voice low. Claire unbuckled her own belt and opened the door. She stood by the car, not wanting to crowd it. He always did this. Stray cats, lost dogs, even that injured bird once. He looked so focused, so gentle. A strange, sweet ache settled in her chest. This was the boy she remembered. The one she'd always follow into small adventures. Should I call someone? she asked, her voice soft but clear across the quiet street. Her hand was already slipping her phone from her pocket, ready to follow his lead. Always ready to follow his lead.
David quietly assured her. No, I've got this. A car zipped past him. Then another. The car shook slightly, and David's jacket fluttered.
Claire's breath caught. The rush of air from the passing cars tugged at her own clothes, anchoring her to the danger present. Every instinct screamed at her to call him back, to pull him to safety. Instead, she watched, gripping the edge of the car door. She found herself tracing the familiar, frayed edge of her hoodie's cuff with her thumb, a nervous habit. Please. Just step back. Please.
David finally got close to the dog, placing a gentle hand on its head. A car sped past, blaring its horn at the stopped vehicle. The driver yelled something at them. The dog, spooked, growled and then bit at David's hand. He stumbled back, falling slightly into the other lane.
Claire heard the unmistakable noise of one more oncoming car.
Time seemed to stretch, then snap.
The roar of the engine, the screech of tires… it was a blur of sound and motion. Claire didn't think. She pushed off from the car and was there, her body moving between David and the oncoming threat, her hands finding his shoulders to pull him back. The car swerved, its side mirror missing them by inches. She knelt with him on the rough pavement,hands trembling. The dog had vanished. A bright bead of blood welled on the back of his hand.
Her voice was a shaky whisper, more for herself than for him. You're okay. You're okay.
David quickly stood. Shit, we've gotta go. That was too close. He quickly ushered her to the car, then hopped to his own side. He threw the vehicle into gear and hit the gas.
Claire studied him. He was spooked, and still trying to act tough. You're bleeding, she said softly. Her own heart was still hammering. Let me see your hand when we stop. She forced a smile. You were right, she said finally, her voice almost lost under the engine's hum. Something big did happen today. She let her head rest against the cool glass of the window, still facing him
The rest of the day flew by.
Claire had neatly patched up his hand. He got lucky. Nothing but a scrape from the fall. She teased him. No rabies shot for you. Shame. She was more than pleased with the change of pace. Almost seeing him decorate the street with his insides was harrowing.
David now drove her to her place, freshly bought groceries in tow.
Claire looked him over once more. The bandage on his hand was a neat, small square of white against his skin. She'd insisted on doing it herself in the drugstore aisle, her touch careful and precise. Now, standing on the sidewalk outside her apartment building, the grocery bag heavy in her own hand, the evening felt suspended. Quite the first date, she said, a weary but warm smile touching her lips. Groceries, a near-death experience, and a medical intervention. You certainly know how to show a girl a weird and wonderful time.. Thank you, David. For today. For trying to save that dog. For… everything. She took a small step backward toward her door, holding his gaze. The door's open if you want to come up. For coffee. Or just to sit.
David helped her carry the last bag to the door, the dark of the night cut only by the car he left running. Sure. That sounds amazing. He kissed her cheek. Let me shut the car off.
Claire lagged behind, quickly setting the bags down.
Her mind was pleasantly fuzzy, a mix of the day's chaos and that simple, surprising kiss.
The engine cut off and the lights went out, plunging the street into a sudden, quiet dark. Too quiet. Too dark.
She shook her head, dismissing the thought. It had been a long, strange day.
But as her eyes adjusted, she saw two figures struggling. She darted to them.
David's voice called out. No! Stay there. He grunted. Caught this creep… His teeth clamped. Trying to sneak in, thinking I was leaving.
The man turned his attention to the new arrival.
Cold dread filled her veins. The shadowy figure from the morning—the one at the blue sedan—was now a terrifying reality in her own driveway, grappling with David. She saw the man's head turn to her.
Instinct took over.
She didn't retreat. She took one step forward, her voice cutting through the scuffle, low and steady. The police are already on their way. I called them the second I saw you. It was a bluff, but she made it sound like absolute truth.
The man broke free from David's grasp. He held a dangerous looking knife.
David slowly backed up to where Claire was, putting himself as a barrier. His voice was a feral growl. Don't do this, man. Just go.
The man didn't budge. He barked a demand. Wallets and phones. Now. Take them out. Slowly. His stance shifted back, but the knife danced closer and closer.
David swallowed. Right. Here. He slowly reached one hand back. He gave Claire's stomach two sharp taps. Was that a signal? He produced his wallet and tossed it on the ground. There. I don't have my phone.
The man picked it up, eyes locked to the pair. Bullshit. Saw you pull it out. Give me everything. Your bitch too. He pointed the knife at Claire.
David raised both hands. Do it, Claire.
The two taps against her stomach were definitely deliberate. A signal. He had a plan. She nodded, her movements slow and deliberate as she pulled her own wallet from her bag. But her phone… she held it tighter. Here, she said, her voice surprisingly steady. She tossed the wallet to land near his feet. The phone remained in her hand. You want this? Come and get it.
She took one deliberate step to the side, away from David, drawing the man's furious eyes. Her heart slammed against her ribs. It was a gamble, but it might give David an opening. The knife point swung to follow her.
David yelled. Claire, no! He dove to divert the man.
The tear of cloth and David's gasp were all she heard after.
Then, the sound of dripping.
David collapsed, holding his side. The man ran, their wallets seemingly enough of a prize.
Claire didn't watch the man flee. She dropped to her knees, applying pressure where his own hands were already clutching. I've got you. Look at me. Her voice was a low, urgent whisper. Her fingers were already sticky and warm. Panic began to set in. We need an ambulance. My phone… She glanced toward where it had fallen, a few feet away. Don't you dare close your eyes, David. You're not allowed. Her own breath was coming too fast, but she forced it to steady. This was the big thing. This was the bad feeling. Stay with me. Just stay right here. She kept the pressure firm, her other hand grabbing her discarded phone. She dialed the emergency line.
The minutes felt like years.
Sirens grew closer, lights flashing.
Claire broke. Sobs erupted through her.
David reached up, wiping a tear away. Hey, I'll be okay. I always said I'd do anything for you. He winced. Guess today was the day.
The lights closed in. Claire waved at them.
Doors flew open, and several feet hit the ground. They surrounded Da