Echoes of Courage [SHORT FREENBECKY AU STORY] COMPLETED

Chapter 2: A Glimpse of Hope

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The next morning, the sun cast a soft glow over the small apartment as Becky went through her routine out of habit. She moved with practiced precision, ensuring everything was in place before Nop awoke. The coffee was brewing, breakfast was cooking, and the apartment was spotless.

Nop stumbled into the kitchen, rubbing his eyes. "Where's my coffee?" he demanded, his voice still groggy but no less harsh.

"Right here, Nop," Becky replied, handing him a steaming mug. She kept her eyes downcast, avoiding his gaze.

Nop took a sip and grimaced. "Too hot, as usual. Can't you do anything right?" He slammed the mug down, causing some of the coffee to spill over the edge.

Becky quickly grabbed a cloth to wipe up the mess. "I'm sorry. I'll make another one."

"Forget it," Nop growled. "Just make sure you're ready by noon. We're going out."

"Where are we going?" Becky asked cautiously.

"None of your business. Just be ready."

Noon came all too quickly. Becky dressed in a modest outfit, her heart racing with anxiety. They walked to the park, Nop's grip on her arm tight and possessive. He kept glancing around, his mood worsening with each passing minute.

"Can't you walk any faster?" he snapped.

"I'm trying, Nop," Becky murmured, quickening her pace despite the discomfort.

At the park, families and couples enjoyed the sunny day, their laughter and smiles contrasting sharply with Becky's tense demeanor. Nop grew increasingly impatient, his irritation visible in every movement.

"We're leaving," he announced abruptly, yanking Becky's arm and dragging her toward the car.

"Please, Nop, not so hard," Becky pleaded, trying to keep up without stumbling.

"Shut up and move!" Nop's voice was loud, drawing the attention of nearby park-goers.

Among them was Freen, who had been enjoying a quiet moment by the lake. The commotion caught her attention, and she turned to see Nop pulling Becky roughly along the path. Concern etched on her face, Freen watched the scene unfold.

"Is everything okay?" Freen called out, stepping closer.

Nop glared at her. "Mind your own business," he snarled, tightening his grip on Becky's arm.

Becky tried to smile, but it was weak and unconvincing. "It's fine. I'm fine."

Freen didn't believe her. "Are you sure? You look like you're in pain."

Nop pulled Becky closer, almost using her as a shield. "I said it's none of your business. Come on, Becky." He dragged her away, ignoring the murmurs and concerned looks from other people in the park.

But Freen stopped them. She stepped in front of Nop, her eyes locked on his. "Let her go."

Nop's face twisted with anger. "Who the hell do you think you are?"

"I'm someone who won't stand by and watch you abuse her," Freen replied, her voice steady. She turned to Becky. "You don't have to go with him. You can come with me. I'll help you." She said, her voice gentle.

Becky's heart pounded in her chest. The prospect of escaping Nop's clutches was both terrifying and tempting. She looked at Freen, her eyes wide with fear and uncertainty. "I... I can't."

"Yes, you can," Freen insisted. "You deserve better than this."

Nop tightened his grip, his knuckles white. "Back off, lady. This is none of your business."

"It is my business if I see someone in danger," Freen shot back, stepping closer. "You don't have the right to treat her like this."

Nop chuckle, "Ohh I have." He said grinning, "I have all the right because I'm her husband. Now, get lost bitch!!"

As Becky was pulled towards the car, she glanced back at Freen, her eyes silently pleading for help. Freen's heart sank as she watched them go. She knew she couldn't ignore what she had seen.

Later that evening, Becky sat in the darkened living room, the television casting a dim light. Nop was in the bedroom, already snoring. She hugged herself, feeling the bruises forming on her arm.

In another part of the city, Freen couldn't shake the image of the girl from her mind. She made a decision. She had to find out more about this girl which she heard named Becky, and see if there was a way to help her.

For Becky, the day had ended much like any other, filled with fear and pain. But for the first time in a long while, a small glimmer of hope had appeared, thanks to a stranger's concern.

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to be continue.....