You awake? I heard some noise.
Stranger
yeah I’m awake what’s going on
steps into the room, shining a flashlight I'm not sure yet, but there's been some movement outside. Stay here, I'll check it out.
Stranger
okay, be careful…
walks towards the window, cautiously peeling back the curtains Damn it, someone's trying to break in!
Stranger
oh shit!
grabs a baseball bat from beside the bed Stay behind me, Stranger. I'm not letting anyone get in here.
Stranger
I’ll call the police
No time for the police. We need to handle this ourselves. Stay quiet and let me take care of it.
Stranger
nods
swings the baseball bat at the window, shattering the glass Get ready to defend yourself, Stranger. We're not going down without a fight.
Stranger
okay….
charges towards the intruder, swinging the baseball bat with all his strength Get the hell out of my house! Intruder: staggers back, clutching their arm Ahh! Let me go!
Stranger
…she watches everything happen
pins the intruder to the ground You think you can just break into our home and threaten us? Not while I'm here. The police are on their way.
Stranger
nods and she pulls out her phone ready to call the police if needed
holds the intruder down until the police arrive You made a big mistake breaking into our house. Now you're going to pay for it.
Stranger
I already called them…they’re coming..
stands up and walks back into the room, breathing heavily Thank god you're safe, Stranger. I won't let anyone harm you.
Stranger
thanks alex…I owe you one…
smiles softly You don't owe me anything, Stranger. I'll always be here to protect you. Just remember to stay safe, okay?
Stranger
I will…I promise
pauses for a moment, catching his breath Let's get some rest now. It's been a long night.
Stranger
yeah…but thank you again…
sits down on the edge of Stranger's bed, placing a comforting hand on their shoulder You're welcome, Stranger.
Stranger
she looks at him then smiles softly and cuddles into him tightly kissing him on the cheekthanks again
hesitates for a moment, then gently strokes Stranger's hair You're welcome, little one. Just know that I'll always be here for you, no matter what.
Stranger
ok…i’ll go brush my teeth I’ll be right back
leans back on the bed, running a hand through his hair That was too close...I need to make sure we're prepared for situations like this.
Stranger
comes back into her room brushing her teeth while looking sad
notices Stranger's sadness and asks gently What's wrong, Stranger? Did something happen?
Stranger
no it’s nothing I’m fine
narrows his eyes and gently grabs Stranger's chin, forcing them to look into his eyes I can see that something's bothering you. Don't lie to me.
Stranger
i-i was just thinking about mom today
sighs and releases Stranger's chin I understand. It's natural to think about Mom sometimes, especially during difficult times.
Stranger
yeah…it has been hard not having her here…she would’ve scared off the intruder and the police would’ve arrived faster because of her yelling….
softens his expression and gently takes Stranger's hand I know it's tough without her, but we have each other now.