The stranger
297 Words
Chapter 4: The Stranger Who Stayed
The words echoed in Tife's mind.
"The woman who raised you is not your biological mother."
Before she could ask another question—
Bang!
A gunshot rang out.
Then another.
The black SUV screeched to a halt as people scattered in panic, screaming and running for cover.
"Get down!" the stranger shouted.
Tife froze.
The window beside her shattered, sending pieces of glass flying across the seat.
Her heart pounded wildly.
Just as another shot rang out, the car door was pulled open.
A tall man reached inside.
"Come with me!" he ordered.
Without waiting for an answer, he grabbed Tife's hand and pulled her out of the vehicle.
They ran through the crowded streets, weaving between parked cars and frightened pedestrians until they reached a quiet alley.
Tife bent over, struggling to catch her breath.
"Who... who are you?" she asked.
The man looked at her with calm, determined eyes.
"My name is Umar."
He glanced back toward the street, making sure no one had followed them.
"They'll be looking for you."
Tife's heart sank.
"Why is this happening to me?"
Umar's expression softened.
"Because someone is willing to kill to keep the truth hidden."
A cold shiver ran through her body.
She had never met this man before.
Yet something about him made her feel safe.
He extended his hand toward her.
"Stay close to me, Tife. From this moment on, you're not safe on your own."
She hesitated only briefly before placing her hand in his.
The warmth of his grip calmed the fear in her heart.
She didn't know who Umar really was.
She didn't know who to trust anymore.
But one thing was certain—
The journey to uncover the truth had only just begun..
- Writer
