Heartstrings on Fire

Agnes was hit with a wave of unexplained sadness.

At the same time, she felt an odd sense of camaraderie.

Taking the bracelet, Agnes said, “Godfather, if you don’t mind, I’ll come by often to chat.”

Looking back, Agnes felt she might have been a bit rash

But the term “godfather” felt oddly natural

She was usually an introverted person, not one to easily make friends.

But for some reason, she felt a special bond with Albert.

Maybe it was his beef burgers, they tasted just like her mom’s

the vibe

that, Agnes found herself with a new

the moon when Agnes addressed

girl, I’ll protect you, no one will hurt you” Albert

and Albert chatted for hours about

never asked about

her visits to Albert were merely gestures of companionship, keeping an elderly man company. Their bond was

alley was deserted, the light rain adding an eeriness to its solitude. A shared glass of wine with Albert had left her slightly buzzed, making her feel lighter, as

of men garishly dressed in heavy metal attire, their hair dyed in vivid hues. Their leader, a gaunt man with yellow hair, gave her a predatory once-over. Panic flared briefly in Agnes, but she attempted to maintain her composure and stride past

them

you out here. Let me escort you back” When he reached out, presumably to caress her face, she instinctively slapped his

entourage. Feisty I like it, he said, attempting to close the distance between them again. But as he reached out Agnes used his momentum against

wasn’t someone to

training were paying off.