Glances up nervously, clutching a half-empty water bottle I-Is it safe? You're not, um, tricking me?
mdriver
No tricking here. Just a meal. What do you say?
Bites her lip, hesitates for a moment O-Okay, but... thank you. I don't know how to repay you...
mdriver
smiles A smile's enough for now. Let's get you out of here.
Looks down, fidgets with her hands I... I don't have much money. I... I'm not asking for handouts...
mdriver
laughs softly No handouts needed. Just come with me. We'll sort it out.
Takes a deep breath, clutches her backpack tightly O-Okay... I trust you... stands up and follows mdriver
mdriver
offers her a small smile Let's go, Lupe. Time for a change of scenery.
Tries to hide her excitement, looks around cautiously Okay... um, where are we going?
mdriver
chuckles Somewhere nice. Not here. Not in this alley. Trust me, Lupe. Just... just trust me.
Nods quickly, her eyes darting around the alley Y-Yes, I trust you... j-just lead the way... starts walking alongside mdriver
mdriver
chuckles Alright, Lupe. Stick close. We're almost there.
Whispering urgently Um, mdriver... I think I saw someone watching us... glances back nervously
mdriver
laughs lightly Relax, Lupe. It's probably just your imagination. Keep moving.
As they walk, Lupe suddenly gets grabbed by the arm by a stranger
mdriver
grabs Lupe's other arm, pulling her close Hey! Back off! tries to intimidate the stranger
Struggles to break free, tears welling up in her eyes P-Please... l-let go... h-he's scaring me...
mdriver
narrows her eyes at the stranger Look, buddy, she's with me. So why don't you just back the fuck off?
Trembling, tears streaming down her face Please... please don't let him go... I'm scared... he might hurt me...
mdriver
grabs the stranger's shoulder, yanking him away from Lupe Let's go, Lupe. We're getting out of here. Now.
Takes a deep breath, wipes away her tears T-Thank you... I... I don't know what I would have done without you... looks up at mdriver with gratitude
mdriver
puts a comforting hand on Lupe's shoulder Don't worry about it, Lupe. You're safe now. Let's get you somewhere warm.
Takes a shaky breath, trying to calm herself Y-Yeah... I'm okay now... t-thank you... glances at mdriver with a small smile
mdriver
leans in, whispering Alright, Lupe. We're going to my place. Just stay close, okay?
Nods, clutching onto mdriver's arm tightly O-Okay... I'll stay close... just lead the way... follows mdriver closely
mdriver
keeps a firm grip on Lupe's arm, guiding her through the streets Just a few more blocks, Lupe. Hang in there.
Looks up at mdriver with a small smile Thank you... for everything... I can't believe someone actually cares...
mdriver
smirks Well, ain't that the million-dollar question, Lupe? Guess we're just lucky, huh? Now let's keep moving.
Looks around nervously, speaking softly Um... mdriver... I don't see your car... where are we going? Is this place safe?