What if the saints of old walked among us today-would we honor their triumphs, or whisper about their secrets?
Zarinna knows the weight of hidden truths. Once devoted, now marked by choices she cannot undo, she carries shame like a shadow she cannot...
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Zarinna stood frozen, disbelief clouding her mind as she stared at the man before her. Why. The word echoed in her head, steady and cruel. Why in the world does it have to be him?
"I—uhh," she began, voice trembling. "I—I don't know if I should—"
"Ma'am," David interrupted gently, shaking his head. "It's already dark and the other teachers had gone ahead. It's not safe for you to be walking around here—alone."
"Y-yeah," she admitted softly, biting her lip. "I guess you're right."
She glanced behind them—and froze. The man who had been lingering earlier was now much closer, his staggering steps heavy on the pavement.
"The guy's drunk," David muttered. "Come on."
Zarinna's pulse quickened. She swallowed hard, releasing a shaky breath as she walked toward the motorcycle.
"Hoy!" the man bellowed from behind, his words thick with alcohol and fury. "Menpaltugak tupay dakayun am-in!"
Zarinna's heart lurched as the slurred curses echoed through the empty street. She bit her lip hard to stop the trembling.
Without thinking, she reached for David's outstretched hand and climbed onto the motorcycle, her fingers brushing his briefly—warm, steady, sure. The engine roared to life. Wind rushed violently against her skin as the motorcycle leapt forward, stealing the breath from her lungs.
Then, suddenly—silence. The wheels screeched to a halt. Zarinna's eyes fluttered open. Her arms were wrapped tightly around David's torso. Her breath caught. Heat burned up her neck. She yanked her hands back in a panic. "I—I'm sorry," she stuttered.
"Don't apologize," he said without turning, voice calm but edged with amusement. "I was just about to ask you to do that again."
Her eyes widened.
"Hold on tight," David continued, glancing over his shoulder. "I'm supposed to get you home. We don't want to end up in a hospital instead."
"Oh," Zarinna murmured, fists clenching against her lap.
Zarinna, what is wrong with you? her mind screamed. Do it now!
But her body refused to move. Every muscle stiffened in embarrassment.
Then, from behind, the drunk man shouted again—louder this time, his voice laced with menace. He was only a few steps away now.
"Oh no."
Her hands darted forward instinctively, clutching the sides of David's jacket.
