A Name...

She didn't know where she was going, her mind was too clouded with thought. She needed to be away. Away from all the expectations that waited in her home, the false smiles she wore at school and most of all, away from the mist that constantly hung away from her. Luckily, her feet knew just the place. She hadn't been there in nearly two weeks, not since he had seen her there and soiled the preciousness of her Sanctuary. But she couldn't last any longer without it. She needed to be in the secluded field, surrounded by the silent, listening trees and wrapped up in the cool breeze that soothed her aching soul.

She didn't watch as she walked, her body naturally drawn to the purity of her Sanctuary. She entered the area, head down and sat down on the closest bench; her bench in her home.

“I knew you'd be back.”

The girl looked up quickly at the out of place voice. Mark was sitting at another of the three benches in the clearing. The girl gasped and cringed as he stood and began walking toward her.

“I've come here every night since I made the mistake of leaving you here by yourself.”

The girl looked left and right as her heart began to race. He was getting closer. Too close. What was he going to do to her?

“Don't be afraid.”

The words were like a trigger in her head. A memory of her uncle creeping into her bed flashed in her mind and she did the only thing she could think to do. She ran.

She didn't make it out the clearing before she felt arms circle around her and force her to halt. She didn't struggle, knowing that would only make it worse.

“Please don't be afraid. I don't want to hurt you. I shouldn't' have left you alone that night. You're in pain, I can see it. And I want to help.”

The girl shook her head, trying to kill the small ray of hope that was rubbing forth in her mind. Maybe he really did want to help, maybe she wouldn't have to be alone. No, no no! Don't get your hopes up, she reminded herself.

“Please, you don't have to hurt. You aren't alone.” Mark turned around and began rubbing small, comforting circles on her back.

The scared, shaking girl dared to look up. “Are you serious?”

Mark smiled gently down at her. “Of course I am. I'm here for you April.”