The Last Hope

16

Selina

—
The fresh night air made me sigh with relief as I left the hospital after a long shift, where numerous emergencies occurred throughout the night, leaving me no time to rest. My feet protest with each step, making me grumble.

Finally reaching the parking lot, I approach my small canary yellow car, which my sister constantly mocks. She almost ignores me when I pick her up from school, claiming I embarrass her with my "chick on wheels." That little pest.

I startle as headlights suddenly illuminate behind me, casting my shadow, I turn around, my heart pounding, squinting and unable to see due to the blinding light. The rear door opens, and a man descends, approaching slowly with his hands in his pockets. His features gradually become apparent, freezing me in place – Antonio Rasili.

It's been two months since we first met, and he hasn't left me alone since, bombarding me with texts and calls at all hours, insisting on meeting. I don't even know how he got my number, this crazy guy! I don't like him; he exudes something dangerous, something that scares me. He sends flowers every day and has even come to the hospital several times to see me.I've refused every time, making up various excuses, but he's a real bulldog, not letting go.
He finally reaches me with a plastered smile on his face. "Selina, you're as stunning as the first time I saw you," he says, raising his hand to touch the end of my braid on my shoulder, but I step back, avoiding him.

"What are you doing here?" I ask, glancing around to see if there's anyone who could help me, but there's not a soul in sight.

"You didn't respond to my messages," he says simply, as if it's an obvious and valid excuse for his presence. I grit my teeth as I feel anger gradually rising. "Listen, Mr. Rasili, as I said the first time you asked me, I don't want to see you for any reason. If you continue to harass me like this, I'll end up calling the police!"
He gazes at me for a few seconds, his eyes gleaming with something sinister, making me tremble. I'm about to step back when suddenly I find myself pressed against a truck parked nearby, dropping my bag and keys, his hand around my throat, cutting off my air.

"Ah, Selina, I can't wait to possess you," he murmurs, his lips sliding from my temple to my cheek as I try to free myself from his grip, black spots dancing before my eyes. "You will belong to me, mia cara, body and soul. You will be all mine."

A scream that I don't recognize escapes my throat as I swiftly lift my knee, striking him between the legs. He growls, releasing me and stepping back, his hands on his injured parts as I gather my belongings and start running towards the hospital, trying to catch my breath. A chilling laughter echoes in my ears as I feel the monster's breath against my neck.

—
The cold water has no effect against the burn and dirt I feel on my body.

Rafael has fallen back asleep after I sang him a lullaby while holding him close. I turn off the water as Rafael's words echo in my head once again, "He won't use his belt on Mom anymore, right? She won't scream?" A sob escapes me, and I press my hand against my mouth to stifle it, my baby was understandably affected by everything we had been through, and I didn't know how to help him, make him forget.

I exhale slowly, grabbing a towel to quickly dry myself before putting on underwear, shorts, and a tank top belonging to Elif, which tightens around my chest. I wipe the steamed-up mirror and grimace at my reflection – red eyes, bruises gradually fading, my lip still swollen. I was truly a walking disaster. I sigh and start removing the bag covering my cast, groaning at the slight pain. Then I grab my comb to untangle my hair but struggle.