The Cold Crystal Heart

The morning sun glittered across the streets of Italy, painting the city in a golden glow. People hurried along, ready to begin their daily routines, unaware of the story that was about to unfold. (Rose', a 19-year-old college student, stepped out of her home. Her beauty was almost unreal — so delicate, so flawless, it was hard to believe she was human, and not a doll crafted to perfection. But beneath that angelic exterior beat a tender heart, living life quietly, unaware of the eyes that watched her from afar.) At exactly 10am in the morning , she waves at her mother. ROSE'—"Mom, I'm going to college.... take care."(She said softly, and turned to walk towards her new day.) But no sooner had she taken a few steps than darkness seemed to swallow everything around her. Panic surged through her chest. She froze. ( something was wrong.) She tried to scream—but her mouth was suddenly forced to shut. Her eyes searched desperately, but all she could see was the black clothing that covered the stranger's face. Then she heard it—laughter, cold and cruel, echoing around her. Among the voices, one stood out, low and threatening: "Stay quiet.... or you'll regret it." (Rose' struggled, her instincts screaming to run, to get away from these unknown attackers. She tried to push, to fight, but the men closed in. A sharp strike landed on the back of her head, and the whole world around her spun into darkness. (Her last thought before unconsciousness took her was a mix of fear and confusion: What's happening? Who are these people? What is going to happen to me?) ..........TO CONTINUDE.........