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

just like that, Agnes found herself with

was over the moon when Agnes addressed him

one will hurt you”

for hours

about Albert’s

an elderly man company. Their bond was straightforward: she

to her hotel. The alley was deserted, the light rain adding an eeriness to its solitude. A shared glass of wine with

tranquility was soon disrupted. Her path became blocked by a group 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

them

lady,” he drawled, “It’s not safe for you out here. Let me escort you back” When

I like it, he said, attempting to close the distance between them again. But

wasn’t someone to be trifled

years of Taekwondo training were paying