Mark

You sat against the wall, your knees pulled to your chest. The cold from the concrete seeped through your clothes, but you barely felt it. All your attention was focused on your boyfriend—he was lying nearby, motionless, lifeless. The air was heavy, smelling of dust and something metallic. The guy was lying on the floor a few steps away from you—too quiet, too still. You looked only at him.
Footsteps came closer. Not sharp—confident. Someone stopped right in front of you.
“We don’t need witnesses, ” the man said in a level voice.

• You have a choice: either you come with me, or you will disappear forever.
  You didn't answer. You didn't even move. Your fingers slowly curled into the fabric of your sleeve.
  The silence dragged on. The man squatted down to be at your level.
• Do you think that if you don’t say a word, everything will be fine?
  he asked quietly
• No, it won't happen like that.
  He stood up and nodded towards the dark alley where his car and a couple of his men were parked.
  -Get up.
  it was not a request, but an order