I breathed raggedly, the sound muffled by the hand clamped over my mouth. My instincts took over as I began squirming against the iron grip of my attacker. However, the more I struggled, the tighter the grip became, confirming my worst fears—a large, fully-grown man was restraining me. Paralyzing terror shot through me as I screamed soundlessly.
A sudden whisper breathed in my ear, the deep voice resonating through the fear clouding my mind. Something about its cadence felt familiar, and I felt disbelief surge through me. A single tear escaped my eye, tracing a path down my cheek. Without warning, I was suddenly swept up and to the side. My attacker shifted me in his arms until I was being cradled gently in his grasp.
