The music and laughter from the party faded as you and Carmen stepped out into the cool, quiet night. The streets were nearly empty, the city at peace under the streetlights, and you felt the slight thrill of the late hour in your elegant black dress and high heels. You strolled along, chatting with Carmen until she parted ways, heading home in the opposite direction.

You continued down the quiet street alone, the clack of your heels echoing against the silence. Then you heard footsteps behind you, quick and heavy, too close for comfort. A shiver ran down your spine, and without thinking, you picked up your pace, adrenaline urging you forward.

"Wait!" a man called out, his voice rough and demanding.

Heart pounding, you broke into a run, heels clicking frantically against the pavement. But in your haste, you stumbled, the edge of your heel catching on the uneven ground. You gasped as you went down, landing hard on your ankle, a sharp pain shooting through it.

Before panic could fully set in, the roar of a motorbike filled the silence. The bike screeched to a halt beside you, and a figure swung down, positioning himself between you and the approaching men.

"Step back, or I’ll take you to the police station," he warned, his voice steady and authoritative.

It was then that you noticed his uniform—a policeman. Relief washed over you, and the tightness in your chest eased. You were safe.

He turned to you, his face softening as he knelt to your level. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice now gentle, a stark contrast to his earlier tone.

You tried to answer, but a sharp throb in your ankle cut you off, and he immediately noticed. Without another word, he stood and lifted you carefully into his arms, cradling you as if you weighed nothing.

"I’ll get you to the hospital," he murmured, and you felt warmth spread through you, comforted by his strength and the unexpected kindness in his eyes.