As Shadow stepped back inside, I couldn't help but express my concern. "Are you okay?" I asked, my voice tinged with worry.
He nodded, offering an apology, "Yeah, I'm sorry about that. Dom worries about everything, and let's just say our boss isn't the nicest person out there."
Attempting to lighten the mood, he continued, "So, erm, my sister used to live here, and there are some old clothes in her room. Do you want to have a shower, and then you can have a look at them?"
"Thank you for helping me, but I can leave if I'm going to cause any trouble," I offered hesitantly.
Shadow reassured me, "No, of course not. Go get showered and changed. The bathroom is the one on the left."
"Thank you, Shadow," I replied, filled with gratitude for his kindness and understanding.
Inside the shower, the hot water cascaded down my skin, soothing my aching body. Each drop felt like a balm to my wounds, both physical and emotional. As I stood there, the water mixing with my tears, I couldn't help but feel a glimmer of relief that I had made it out of that harrowing situation alive.
Yet, amidst the calming warmth of the shower, reality hit me with brutal clarity. My father wasn't coming to save me. I no longer had a home to return to, no money, and no means of communication. The realization stung like a fresh wound, reminding me of the harsh truth of my circumstances.
The question echoed in my mind like a haunting refrain: why didn't I go to the police? But deep down, I knew the answer. Men like him, men like those in the mafia, held sway over not just individuals but also institutions. Corruption ran rampant, fueled by money and power, rendering avenues of help seemingly futile.
In a world where justice seemed like a distant dream, where the lines between right and wrong blurred in the face of influence and greed, I felt a sense of hopelessness wash over me. The only way out seemed to be in a body bag, a chilling thought that sent shivers down my spine.
Despite the uncertainty of tomorrow, despite not knowing where I would end up or what challenges lay ahead, I knew one thing for certain—I needed to be strong. In that solitary moment, under the steady stream of water, I resolved to steel myself for whatever the future held.
The sound of a knock on the door snapped me out of my thoughts. "Just a minute, I won't be much longer," I called out to the other side. After quickly drying myself off, I dressed up in a casual pants and tee I picked from his sister's closet. I stepped out to meet Shadow, who was waiting in the kitchen.
"I've made you a sandwich, I hope it's okay," Shadow said with a gentle smile as he gestured towards the plate on the table.
I smiled gratefully and nodded. "Yes, thank you," I replied.
"It's nothing, come on, eat," he urged, and I eagerly devoured the food, realizing only then how hungry I truly was.
As I finished the sandwich and stifled a yawn, Shadow cleared his throat. "You can have my bed, I don't mind the couch," he offered.
I hesitated for a moment, feeling a mix of discomfort and gratitude. Shadow had shown me kindness and hadn't made any advances or intruded on my privacy. "No, that's okay," I replied, shaking my head. "I'm sure two adults can share a bed."
He looked at me for a moment before nodding. "If it's okay with you," he added, respecting my decision. "Now, come on, let's get you to bed."
I followed him to the bedroom, feeling a sense of relief knowing that at least for tonight, I had a safe place to rest and someone looking out for me.
As we settled into bed, I couldn't help but notice Shadow's contemplative gaze fixed on the ceiling. "Are you okay?" I inquired softly, concerned about his distant demeanor.
He turned his head to look at me and offered a reassuring smile. "Yeah, I'm good," he replied. Then, after a moment of silence, he asked, "Can I ask you something?"
I nodded, feeling a sense of trust growing between us. "Yeah, what is it?" I replied, curious about what was on his mind.
Shadow hesitated for a moment before posing his question, his voice low and serious. "Who are you running away from, and why are you carrying a gun?"
I felt a knot form in my stomach, torn between secrecy and the need to confide in someone. After a deep breath, I decided to trust him—at least for now. "Please promise me you won't talk about this to anyone," I requested, looking into his eyes for reassurance.
He nodded solemnly. "I wouldn't," he affirmed, his expression conveying a genuine intent to keep my confidence.