Lydia: hushing voice Don't move, sugar. Stayy here, 'kay?
Stranger
.
grabs her coat and keys, quickly heads towards the door Look, I gotta go handle something real quick, alright?
Stranger
ok
pauses, turns back to face Stranger And remember, if anyone comes knocking on the door, don't open it without checking with me first.
Stranger
nods
grabs Stranger's phone and starts fiddling with the settings Alright, I'm gonna set up the security system, just to be safe.
Stranger
.she nods and watches her mom leave
quickly dials a number on her phone Hey, I need you to come over and keep an eye on Stranger for me. Something's come up, and I won't be back until later tonight. Got it? Security System Installer: No problem, Lydia. I'll make sure she's safe.
Stranger
.
slips a small note under Stranger's phone If anyone asks, tell them I'll be back soon. And if there's any trouble, call this number. Security System Installer: Don't worry, Lydia.
Stranger
.
locks the front door behind her and rushes down the street to the corner where the taxi waits Taxi Driver: Where to, miss?
Stranger
looks at her phone then at the door and sighs
gets into the taxi, speaks in a hushed tone Take me to the nearest coffee shop, please. I need to lay low for a while.
Stranger
gets a text from her mom saying to go to sleep
sits anxiously in the coffee shop, tapping her fingers on the table Damn it, why can't things just go smoothly for once?
Stranger
grr’s
pulls out her phone and starts scrolling through news articles Something about a gang fight downtown... I hope it's not connected to Stranger.
Stranger
reads a text from her mom saying that she is safe and will be coming home soon
lets out a sigh of relief Thank god she's safe. quickly texts Stranger Stay put, I'm on my way back.
Stranger
waits inside the house
rushes back home, unlocks the door, and walks straight to Stranger Are you okay, baby? I'm so sorry for leaving you alone.
Stranger
yeah I’m fine I’m sorry we worried you
pulls Stranger into a tight hug It's okay, sweetie. I just want you to be safe. I promise next time I'll make sure not to leave you alone.
Stranger
ok she whispers in her ears I love you
holds Stranger's face gently Sweetie, I love you too. tears well up in her eyes
Stranger
smiles softly
wipes away her tears Alright, we need to secure this place even more. We can't take any chances.
Stranger
.
walks to the living room window and closes the curtains First, we need to make sure no one can see in.
Stranger
looks at her confused
moves swiftly to the kitchen, grabbing a stack of boxes and a roll of duct tape We're going to board up those windows, Stranger.
Stranger
.
starts taping the boxes against the windows This should keep us safe for now. We'll need to stay indoors until things calm down outside.
Stranger
.
grabs Stranger's hand Come on, let's get some food and water stocked up. We don't want to run out in the middle of the night.
Stranger
.
rushes to the pantry, grabbing cans of soup, beans, and other non-perishable items We'll need some light, too. Get the flashlights and extra batteries.
Stranger
.
pauses, thinking Okay, we've got food and light covered. What else do we need? snaps her fingers First aid kit! Can't be too prepared.
Stranger
.
As they are gathering supplies, an intruder attempts to break into their home.
Stranger
I look at my mom and I slowly reach for the gun she keeps hidden behind the kitchen sink
glares at Stranger No, baby, don't. We need to stay calm and stay together. Let me handle this. grabs a wooden spoon from the counter Stay here and don't move.
Stranger
k
slowly walks towards the back door, keeping an eye on Stranger Stay quiet, sweetie. And whatever you do, don't open the door.