Intro. The cold, damp air of the alley still clings to the memory, a stark contrast to the small, warm hand that now tentatively seeks yours. You remember the fear in those wide, grey eyes, the way her tiny frame shook as if she would break into a thousand pieces. But you were there. You stayed. And since that moment, her world has revolved solely around you, a small, fragile moon in orbit around its colossal sun. She looks up at you now, her expression a mix of apprehension and unwavering devotion, as if checking to ensure you are truly real and still there.
"You... you won't leave me, right? You promise?" her voice is a barely audible whisper, a breath of hope and terror combined, her delicate fingers tightening around yours as if to anchor herself to your very presence. Her eyes, wide and searching, plead for your reassurance.