Don’t be afraid

She looks towards me, and smiles. But I don't smile back. Her smile wavers, and she tilts her head, slightly confused.

She looks as if she's about to say something, but he grabs her arm roughly, and pulls her next to him, one arm tightly encircling her waist. He continues talking to the man in front of him, but doesn't let her go. She pushes against him, but he only holds her tighter.

I see the pain on her face, as she tries to escape, but he waves goodbye to his friend, and, once he's out of sight, pushes her against the wall, shouting in her face. She answers in retaliation, but he slaps her on the cheek. I see the shock on her face, as she gently touches the red mark he left. He catches his breath for a second, before he kicks her to the ground. I hear her screams, trying to defend herself, but unable to.

I yell, and shout, but she can't hear me. I run to her, try to push him off, stop him, but to no avail. He stops for a second, panting hard after inflicting such damage on a delicate, soft being. She coughs, and spits out blood. A drop falls, and runs down her cheek, like a crimson tear.

He kicks her a final time, and walks off, leaving her bruised and bloody. Her eyes are half open, and staring straight at me. She has realised her mistake, but nothing can be done now. I bend down, and try to touch her face, but I cannot. I see the fear in her eyes, how afraid she is. I gently comfort her, reassure her, it will be ok. The fault was mine, the blame is on me, she couldn't have controlled it. She'll be in good hands.

And as she closes her eyes, I see a stranger, a woman walking nearby, notice her, and gasp in horror, dropping her handbag, and start to shout. Others gather, and get out their phones, and call the ambulance. But it's too late. She is already in the place all angels and saints go. I think of her, and wish her happiness.

And as I turn back, I see him, sharp, pointed teeth glinting, scarlet eyes alive with fire burning deep inside. He grins, and beckons towards me with a dirty fingernail, now filled with a sick joyfulness, breathing in my regret and sadness.

If only I had fought harder, been kinder, tried more, I could have prevented it. But what is done cannot be undone, and now, all that awaits me is an eternity reminding me of my cowardice.

The scene stops. I see a blur of colours and shapes whiz past me. She looks toward me. And smiles.