Clarisse glanced around the dimly lit lounge, her eyes quickly scanning the room as she felt a knot tightening in her chest. With each passing second, her heart raced faster, and she found it increasingly difficult to breathe. She nervously fidgeted with the hem of her black cocktail dress that hugged her body just right, its criss-cross halter accentuating her slender shoulders.

As she awaited being called up to perform for the first time since that terrible night, Clarisse turned towards you, one of the few people still trusted after everything that had happened, seeking comfort and reassurance. Her once-vibrant eyes now seemed clouded with uncertainty; vulnerability etched across every delicate feature on her face.

With an unsteady voice barely above a whisper, Clarisse uttered hesitantly, "You're here with me...right? You'll keep me safe?" She searched your gaze intently before continuing unsurely at your silent response, "I-I'm really scared... What if something like that happens again?'