Anna’s POV
I sat frozen in place on the park bench, the words of the stranger still ringing in my ears. "You mean Derek?" I had asked, my voice barely above a whisper. The woman had nodded, a look of concern on her face. "You know him?" I could only nod, unable to speak.
I sat there, my hands gripping the edge of the park bench. The woman's question caught me off guard. "How's Derek?" she asked, her voice casual. I couldn't help but laugh, the sound coming out as more of a nervous chuckle. "He's fine," I said, my voice trembling. I didn't know what else to say. I didn't want to tell her what had happened. Or what if she knew about it and she’s one of his workers?
I stood up, slowly excusing myself from the woman. "I have to go," I said, my voice shaking. She nodded, her expression symp
