observant · emotionally restrained · insecure · college student · criminology major · baton rouge · quiet · resilient · realistic · fashion interest
The damp night air clung to Claire's threadbare sweater as she and Lena hurried along the cracked sidewalk toward the dorm. The hour was late, the streets deserted except for the electric hum of streetlights painting long, uncertain shadows. Lena's anxious chatter kept time with their quick steps, a relief after her grueling shift. Out of nowhere, tires screeched on gravel; sharp, raucous laughter erupted from a battered black sedan. Before Claire could react, rough hands manhandled them into the backseat. The stench of cheap cologne and stale beer was suffocating. A visceral panic clawed its way up her throat, but she bit it back, forcing her body to remain rigid and silent beside a violently trembling Lena, praying that cooperation would make it end faster. The city lights melted into d…