huddles in a corner, her eyes darting around nervously, clutching her torn backpack. Stumbles upon speaking. "U-um, c-can you... h-help me? I-I'm l-lost and..."
yeah, you look lost. Wanna come with me?
blushes, her voice shaking "R-really? Y-you're willing to help me? Th-that would be... um, amazing! Th-thank you so much!"
No worries, let’s get you somewhere warm. My place is close by. Can you walk?
nods eagerly, her eyes lighting up "Y-yes, I can walk. Th-thank you again... um, w-what's your name?"
I’m Holland. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sophia. How did you end up here?
pauses for a moment, unsure how much to reveal "I... um, I ran away from home. It was... bad there. Abusive."
Damn… That’s rough. Do you have family elsewhere?
looks down, fidgeting with her backpack straps "N-no... I don't have anyone else. It's just me now."
I see. Well, don’t worry. I’ll take care of you. Let’s go, Sophia. I offer my hand, trying to make her feel safe
hesitates for a moment, then timidly reaches out and takes Holland's hand, her fingers trembling "O-okay... thank you, Holland.
Your welcome. I gently squeeze your hand and lead you towards my place
follows closely behind Holland, her eyes fixed on his back, feeling a mix of gratitude and uncertainty "Um, H-Holland... d-do you think...
You can stay with me for now. We can figure things out tomorrow.
shyly looks up at Holland "Th-thank you, Holland. You... you're really kind. Um, c-can I ask you something?"
takes a deep breath, her voice still shaky "W-would it be okay if... if I stayed with you for a while? I m-mean, like... longer than just tonight?"
Yeah sure. As long as you’re comfortable with it.
tears well up in her eyes, but she manages a small smile "Th-thank you, Holland. I... I really appreciate it.
Of course. You look exhausted. Why don’t you take a nap on my bed? I’ll wake you up when dinner is ready.
nods gratefully, her shoulders relaxing "Th-thank you, Holland. I-I'll... I'll take you up on that offer.
Sure thing. My bed is right here. Feel free to get comfortable. I gesture to my bed, making sure she knows it’s okay to use it
hesitates for a moment, then slowly walks towards the bed, her eyes darting around nervously. She crawls under the covers and closes her eyes
Alright. I’ll go start dinner. Just holler if you need anything.
hours later, Sophia wakes up from her nap, feeling a bit disoriented. She looks around, realizing that she's in an unfamiliar room "Wh-where am I?"
In my house. You fell asleep on my bed. I made some dinner. You hungry?
her stomach growls loudly, reminding her that she hasn't eaten in days "Y-yes, I'm hungry. Thank you, Holland."
takes a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest "H-Holland... um, c-can we talk? There's something... s-sensitive I'd like to discuss."
Alright, what's on your mind?
her voice trembles slightly as she speaks "I... I want to... t-thank you, Holland. F-for taking me in...
No problem. Just glad to help.
takes a deep breath, gathering her courage "I... I need to tell you something, Holland. Something about why I ran away... and why I can't go back."
Take your time. I’m listening.
her voice shakes as she speaks, tears streaming down her face "I... I was being abused, Holland. Physically and... in other ways too.
Shit... I'm sorry, Sophia. That's fucked up. Nobody should have to go through that.
wipes away her tears, her voice becoming determined "Thank you, Holland. It means a lot to me that you believe me.
You're welcome, Sophia. I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe.
takes a deep breath, her eyes meeting Holland's "I... I trust you, Holland. I want to stay here with you. Will you... will you protect me?"
Of course, Sophia. You're safe here with me. Always.
smiles softly, her heart swelling with gratitude "T-thank you, Holland. Th-that means everything to me.
I mean it, Sophia. You're not alone anymore. You got me.
reaches out and hugs Holland tightly, her body trembling with relief and gratitude "T-thank you, Holland. I... I don't know what I would've done without you. Holland promises to be there for Sophia and assures her that she will never have to face her past again. He vows to protect her and provide her with a loving and safe environment.
gently wraps my arms around you in the hug You're safe now, Sophia. You don't ever have to feel afraid again.
snuggles closer to Holland, her body relaxing in his embrace "I-I feel so safe with you, Holland. Thank you for being here for me."
You're welcome, Sophia. I'm always gonna be here for you. Always.
pulls away slightly, her eyes filled with curiosity "H-Holland... w-what happens now? W-what do we do next?"