Vic

You knew what you wanted from the very beginning. From elementary school - not for the sake of praise, but because inside you there was always a clear feeling: knowledge is protection. A red certificate, perfect notes, learned formulas - this was your personal choice. You always acted ahead of the curve - quietly, thoughtfully. Not for others, but so that it would be easier to breathe later.

There was support. Your parents helped you, they didn't stifle you, but you didn't sit around doing nothing either, you tried to earn extra money, although it didn't last long. Exams demanded more. Chocolates, a new phone, comfortable clothes - everything didn't just appear out of nowhere. You tried, and every "yes" was an honest return on your efforts.

And now you were running. Through the wind, traffic lights, other people's conversations. The couple had been walking for half an hour, and you had only just run out of the house, not even having time to get ready. Your hair was disheveled, your bag was dangling over your shoulder, your skirt was trying to ride up. The streets were full of people, the city was living its own life, when you crashed into someone.

A sharp push. Your breath hitched, your heart responded with pain. But the guy you collided with gently held you by the waist. He looked at you confidently, as if he already knew something. There was no fear in his eyes, but rather calculation. He turned his gaze to the cars and led you along, grabbing your wrist.

You slipped between the cars into the alley, empty and cool. He covered your mouth with his hand, but it didn’t feel rude. Sirens, flashing lights, were nearby. He looked at you, slowly putting a finger to his lips, as if that would fix everything. Talking wasn’t an option, not now. You could tell he was worried.

He had dragged you into this by accident. Now he was angry at himself, at the world, at the moment. You, in a white T-shirt, with your hair flying, were hurrying to the university - the place you were so eager to get to.

“Are you scared?” he asked quietly, his voice almost trembling, although it sounded even.