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It's a frame I can't ever forget.
Familiar, threatening.
He steps out of the SUV, his movements deliberate and calculated, and I find myself unable to tear my gaze away from him.
This is Damon Atwell. The very name sends a chill through me.
"Stay calm," I tell myself, slowly stepping back into the aisle and taking cover.
I watch as Damon strides towards the gas station entrance, his boots echoing ominously on the pavement.
When he reaches the door, he glances around one last time before coming inside.
He walks up to Mr. Patel as Mr. Patel introduces himself.
"Have you seen this girl?" he says, showing him a photo.
I take a deep breath and crouch underneath.
I can't see anything anymore.
All I hear is Mr. Patel's voice.
"No," he says firmly.
"Please leave. The store is empty."
I don't know why this stranger just protected me, but I began to breathe easy.
"Please just leave," I pray silently, trying to convince myself that this is just a coincidence.
But deep down, I know that nothing is ever a coincidence when it comes to men like him.
Suddenly, the sharp crack of a gunshot pierces the silence, causing me to jump in my place.
I place my hands firmly around my mouth, not wanting to be heard.
My heart slams against my ribcage, and I know without a doubt that Damon has just killed Mr. Patel, the kind, elderly clerk who tried to protect me.
"Think, Diana, think," I whisper frantically, struggling to come up with a plan.
Panic threatens to engulf me, but I force myself to focus, knowing that my life - and my baby's - depends on it.
"Three hours" had been the promise, but now there's no time.
I have to act right now.
As I make up my mind, adrenaline courses through me, and I know what I must do.
It's time to take control of our own lives, even if it means risking everything in the process.
I know I have no time to mourn the kind old man or dwell on fear.
It's now or never.
I throw open the back door and sprint out of the gas station, my heels pounding against the pavement.
The cold air bites at my skin as I make a beeline for the car, but realize I dropped my keys while running.
