It was after five long days and both the leads were lost in each other's thoughts but still being stubborn as hell.
Timo had not sought her out after she had heartlessly turned him down. On the other hand, Shew was immersed in her assignments. They were both sad and hurting but not ready to back down.
One fine evening after five sad long days, Shew was walking to her apartment as she had left her car for service.
It wasn't a long-distance but she had fallen asleep in the library drooling over a book. Her brain was too occupied past few nights to get proper sleep and as a result, it was quite late.
There weren't any pedestrians like usual so knowing Shew's luck trouble would follow her during these times. She was exactly that- a magnet for trouble.
And as expected about thirty paces away from her house, she was stopped by a man. He jumped out of the darkened alley beside them and stood glaring at her menacingly and blocking her way.
Shew couldn't help but internally roll her eyes. On the outside, her face was devoid of any emotion.
The thug took out an outdated revolver, pointing it at her he opened his mouth, "Well who do we have here?"
He tried to be as menacing as possible but for Shew, it seemed like a cheap play.
"What do you want?" Shew asked frowning. She was hoping to go to bed early that night.
Grinning evilly the thug replied, "Well love, as you can see I am a thief right so, I want all of your valuables."
"What if I don't give you anything and you walk away silently from here before I break your bones?" Shew tried to reason with the poor man. It wouldn't do him any good if they engaged in a fight.
The thief was furious listening to her words. How could he let a tiny girl like her threaten him?
He waved his gun in front of her menacingly, "You see this little toy in my hand? It isn't for show, love. So, be a good girl and hand everything over to me."
Shew didn't immediately reply. They had a little staring match. Each analyzing the strength and weakness of the other but before anyone could react they heard someone yell behind them.
"LEAVE HER ALONE!!"
Shew knew that voice, 'what the hell was he doing here?' Was her only thought.
She didn't have to turn around to confirm what she already knew. In no time, Timo walked between the thug and her. His posture was one of the 'heroes protecting the beauty'. His wide back concealed her from the eyes of the thug.
"Easy there man." Timo grinned at the thug.
Although he was smiling, his insides were stuck in a battle between fear, worry and anger.
He had been 'passing' by the place and 'accidentally' chanced upon Shew stuck in a predicament. How could he turn a blind eye when she was in danger?
Meanwhile, Shew's body went through a complete lockdown. She got the feeling of utmost dread and felt fear after so many years.
She wasn't afraid because someone had attacked her but she was afraid because Timo had put himself in the harm's way because of her.
"Go away from here or I'll shoot you." The thug sneered at the man who had dropped out of nowhere and making things more difficult for him.
Timo put his hands up like he was surrendering and tried to bargain with the scoundrel, "I have more money, look-" He waved his wallet in front of the thief like a white flag. "Take this and leave. Don't harm us."
The thief greedily grabbed hold of the wallet and as soon as he turned around to flee, Timo put his leg in the way and tangled their legs.
As a result, the thug tripped and fell down to the ground with a loud thud. Later with a punch, he fell unconscious.
Timo was proud of his accomplishment. He had overcome his fear and protected Shew. His male ego was satisfied with the outcome.
Satisfied with himself, Timo turned around smiling victoriously. He probably expected Shew to hug him and congratulate him at his great heroics.
But what he got was totally unexpected.