Hidden Helper - Hidden Helper

June, a fourteen-year-old girl, lives with her parents and a younger brother. Isolated and struggling with self-worth, she has always been overshadowed by her parents’ constant criticism and neglect. Their unrelenting taunts have left her grappling with a lack of confidence and a sense of invisibility.

Setting: June sat at the end of the long, wooden dining table, her plate barely touched. Her parents sat at the opposite end, engrossed in their conversation about work and finances, barely acknowledging her presence.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSR80ptDrc7

“June, how are your grades?” her father asked abruptly, not looking up from his plate.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHTccM6oKw

“Fine,” June replied quietly, staring at her food. She knew better than to share her struggles with her parents, who seemed more interested in discussing their own issues.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlXBh9SJsT

“Just fine?” her mother interjected. “You need to do better if you want to get into a good college.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bYO53d6tG

June nodded, but her heart sank. She had tried so hard, but it never seemed to be enough. The silence that followed was thick and uncomfortable, as if her presence was an inconvenience.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2rhl9ANWl

Setting: June’s small, cluttered bedroom. The walls are decorated with posters of artists and dreamlike landscapes. June sits at her desk, working on an art project.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKzKqpRXSL

June sat at her desk, a sketchpad spread out before her. She was absorbed in drawing, her pencil moving swiftly across the page. Her door was slightly ajar, and she could hear her parents arguing down the hallway, their voices rising.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPdl2LXTZG

“This is exactly why she’s failing!” her mother’s voice was sharp. “She doesn’t care about her future.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55AnadMCKy

“She’ll be fine,” her father retorted. “She just needs to apply herself.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sIZVvAdZO

June tried to block out the noise, focusing on the swirls of color and lines on her paper. Art was her escape, her way of finding peace amid the chaos. She could lose herself in it for hours, feeling the weight of the world lift off her shoulders, if only for a little while.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgiVwOK32X

Setting: A crowded middle school hallway during lunch break. Students bustle around, laughing and chatting. June stands alone at her locker, clutching her books.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsA6rFjFHf

June stood by her locker, her gaze fixed on the floor as she avoided eye contact with the groups of students laughing and talking around her. She could hear snippets of conversations about weekend plans and upcoming tests, but she felt disconnected from it all.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbONCIg3yGx

A group of popular kids walked by, their laughter echoing in the hall. One of them, a boy named Ryan, glanced at her with a smirk. “Hey, June! How’s it going?”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0byxYMUOj

June looked up, forcing a small smile. “Hi, Ryan.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGpiCWM3r0

He nodded and continued walking, his friends following behind, leaving June feeling invisible once more. She sighed, closing her locker and heading to the cafeteria, where she found a quiet corner to sit alone.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8b56sm6aG

Setting: June’s bedroom, late evening. June is studying at her desk. Her mother bursts in, her face tense.

June was hunched over her textbooks, trying to make sense of her homework. The door to her room flung open, and her mother stormed in.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQtAN1E6Dd

“June, we need to talk,” her mother said, her voice tight with frustration.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfgqxuU5t7

June looked up, startled. “About what?”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGbKaVUxa5

“About your grades!” her mother snapped. “You can’t keep ignoring your responsibilities. You’re falling behind.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJ70dWecHa

June’s heart raced as she tried to keep her voice steady. “I’m trying my best. I just need more time.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2ncyq2gdy

“Time isn’t going to fix this,” her mother replied sharply. “You need to get your act together.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNj8vyDnnmP

The argument continued, a familiar pattern of blame and frustration. June felt tears sting her eyes but fought them back. She wished for understanding, but it seemed out of reach.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcIx7v0YV0

June never imagined her life would turn into a nightmare—and then something even more confusing. At fourteen, she was already familiar with the feeling of being unloved, neglected by her family and overlooked in every possible way. Still, she wasn’t prepared for what came next.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZP0ZOEM5C

One dark, silent evening, while walking home from school, she was snatched off the street. A rough hand clamped over her mouth, and a shadowy figure dragged her into a van. Panic hit her like a tidal wave as the door slammed shut. In that moment, fear consumed her.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxuRL3LFaR

"Stop struggling," the man growled, his voice low and calm, which only made her fear spike. She kicked and thrashed, but his grip tightened.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHQO881OMK

He wasn’t gentle. His face remained hidden in the dim light, but she could feel the menace radiating from him. Why me? June thought frantically, heart pounding. All she wanted was to disappear back into the safety of her dull, neglected life.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIfd4VUw7N

Days passed, each one more unbearable than the last. She was kept in a small, shabby room in a house somewhere far from home. The man, her captor, didn’t speak much. When he did, his words were clipped, cold.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtH6u22I7i

"Eat," he said, shoving a plate of food at her. "I’m not going to kill you, but you’ll need your strength."

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6N0ZjJ2kY

Not going to kill me? June scoffed inside her mind, her hatred building with every passing moment. She was convinced this man had ruined her life. Her family was probably frantic, searching for her—at least that’s what she told herself to keep the loneliness at bay.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEXHjrkQW0

She refused to eat for days, hoping to make him suffer the way she was suffering. He didn’t seem to care.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTknfpelK2v

“You’re only hurting yourself,” he would mutter, his face expressionless.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwIrxsB6jQ

Every time he came close, she glared at him, wishing she had the strength to fight, to escape. She spent her nights awake, trying to piece together an escape plan. But he was always there, watching quietly, waiting for something—though she couldn’t figure out what.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQT5rtBoPY

Weeks passed, and one day, the phone rang. June overheard the man talking on the other end, her heart leaping at the thought that someone might be looking for her.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtK8Qn6Hql6

"I have your daughter," the man said, his voice steady.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIOst5dtRJ

June held her breath, waiting for the frantic response, the desperate plea to get her back.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPiQIfK0ro

“Keep her. Or sell her if you don't wanna keep.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AlGbZURl0

Her mother’s voice, cold as ice, sliced through June’s heart. The words repeated in her head like a broken record: Keep her. Keep her.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRY4mmzqKJ3

That was the moment she realized the truth—no one was coming for her. Not her mother, not her father. No one cared that she was gone. The rage and hurt that had been simmering inside her turned cold. She hated this man, but she hated her family even more. It was a new kind of pain, one that cut deeper than anything she had felt before.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LAsiNRFCI

The man hung up the phone and glanced at her. For the first time, he looked less like a predator and more like... something else. But June didn’t care. She hated him. She hated everyone.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR07etWYvqs

Over time, her captor's behavior started to confuse her. He wasn't violent, and despite her constant glares and attempts to provoke him, he never retaliated. He wasn’t what she expected. He brought her food every day, clean clothes, and even books—none of which she touched at first. She didn’t want his pity or kindness. She didn’t want anything from him.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLsNciDQ4Y

One day, after what felt like years but was only months, she snapped.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8qH1IuNH3

“Why are you keeping me here?” she screamed, throwing the plate of food across the room. “What do you want from me? Just kill me already!”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznmNvTkTxw

He didn’t flinch, didn’t even blink. He calmly crouched down to pick up the shattered pieces of the plate, his movements slow and deliberate.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlExaQS9zG

“I’m not going to kill you, June,” he said quietly. “You’re safer here than out there with them.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMJBUr22Wq

His words made her blood boil. She hated the way he acted like he knew her, like he understood her life. He doesn’t know anything! she thought furiously. She wanted to scream again, to fight him, but she was too exhausted. Instead, she sank to the floor, feeling defeated.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxkdMalXPh

Weeks turned into months, and something strange began to happen. The man—who she still couldn’t bring herself to call by name—started teaching her things. Self-defense. Survival skills. He told her to be strong, that the world wasn’t kind. And for reasons she couldn’t understand, she listened.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yTOAD77tl

It started small. One day, she asked him a question. Another day, she followed his instructions during training. Soon, they weren’t just two strangers locked in a room together. They were something else entirely.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi28cNTBT5i

He wasn’t cruel like she had once thought. In fact, he treated her better than her own family ever did. The realization hit her one morning when he brought her breakfast. She looked at him, really looked at him, and felt something shift inside her.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdfsukzIkB

As months passed, June’s feelings changed from fear to confusion, and finally to something like gratitude. She couldn’t hate him anymore. He wasn’t the monster she had believed him to be. He had taken her from a life where she was invisible and made her feel... seen. Slowly, reluctantly, she felt herself beginning to trust him.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAHhy20nQH

One evening, as they sat in silence after training, June broke the quiet.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnf078KuPPI

“Why did you take me?”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgcPhm5BEj

The man didn’t look at her immediately. He sat back, watching the sun set through the dirty window.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbFdAb8rLy

“I saw what they did to you,” he finally said, his voice soft. “You deserved better.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gg27foql4

June’s chest tightened. She hated that his words made her feel something—some kind of connection. But it was there, undeniable.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tUXx6GTOx

“Are you going to let me go?” she asked quietly.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1bSN4z3jb

He didn’t answer right away, but when he did, his voice was steady. “Only when you’re ready.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlO6l9V0no

Months turned into a year, and June had changed. She was no longer the helpless, invisible girl she had been when she was first taken. She had become stronger, both physically and mentally. The bond between her and the man had grown into something she never expected—affection, even trust.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCphpe3Qxd

One day, the phone rang again. It was the hospital. Her brother was sick, and only her blood could save him.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDv2hZdvwn

She went to the hospital, gave her blood, but when her mother appeared to ask her to come back, June simply shook her head.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4U1gX79yNc

“I’m not coming back,” she said firmly. “You never wanted me. Now, I don’t need you.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGWKv8klhD

She returned to the house that had become her home, where the man who had once been her captor was now the only family she knew.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJlfhHgZgo

“Welcome back,” he said as she walked through the door.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoE08EDNQx

June smiled for the first time in a long time. “I’m home.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBmhwGFBzT

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIcyf8qRMo

Setting: The living room of June’s family home. The room is warm, lit up with the soft glow of lamps. Her parents are anxiously waiting, their faces etched with a mixture of relief and guilt. June stands at the doorway, looking hesitant but resolute.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZQA6gQqrQ

June took a deep breath and stepped into the house she had once called home. The familiar but distant scent of her childhood filled the air—clean laundry, old books, and something faintly reminiscent of home-cooked meals. It was strange how the place, once a symbol of neglect, now felt oddly comforting.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbeZeu3FVk

Her mother was the first to rush forward, tears in her eyes. “June! Oh, June, we’re so sorry. We should have—”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3F5QIzRpva

June held up a hand, stopping her mother mid-sentence. “Save it. I didn’t come back for apologies. I came because I wanted to see if there was anything left for me here.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKQ85K8Qd0

Her father, looking equally contrite, stepped forward. “We didn’t know... we thought you were lost to us forever. We should have done more.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvGeJtjCEx

June’s heart ached. Part of her wanted to embrace the small sense of victory, but another part was still raw from the abandonment. “I helped my brother because it was the right thing to do. But this... this doesn’t change anything.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoE6TTdxPx

Setting: Back at the kidnapper’s home, the man sat in silence, staring at a photo of June. The room felt colder, emptier. He had grown accustomed to her presence—the sound of her laughter, the way she would ask questions, her silent resilience. Without her, the house seemed too quiet, too still.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBWIZkh26b

He walked to the window, gazing out at the street, his heart heavy. He missed her more than he had anticipated. The space she had once filled was now a painful void, and the house seemed too big, too quiet without her. The days felt longer, and the nights were filled with thoughts of her, of what they had shared.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIS5zQMwdos

He had always known that letting her go was part of the deal, but the reality of it was unbearable. He busied himself with tasks around the house, but his mind kept wandering to her absence. He even found himself checking the time, hoping for a phone call or a message that would signal her return.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ads4XR6Hm

Setting: June’s family home, somehow they have forced June to stay atleast one night. The next morning, June was sitting at the kitchen table, her family surrounding her, trying to make amends with lavish meals and heartfelt apologies. As June looked around, she felt a pang of something missing.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hILwsRzNG

“June,” her mother said, breaking the silence, “we’ve arranged everything for you to come back to live with us. We’re sorry, truly.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1dR3gu0CE

June looked at her mother’s hopeful face and then at her father’s remorseful expression. She could see they were trying, but the effort felt hollow. A part of her wanted to believe them, but another part—one that had grown strong and independent—was unsure.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqD8bH1rcB

Setting: Back at the kidnapper’s home. The man sat at the dinner table, the plate of food in front of him untouched. The phone rang suddenly, startling him. He picked it up with trembling hands.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48BN4prauR

“Hello?”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFv5AntGPRb

A familiar voice came through the line. “It’s me, June.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7kJBL994E

His heart skipped a beat. “June... where are you?”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tkBgmrd7Z

“I’m at home,” she said. “I came back because they needed me. But I didn’t forget you. I just needed to see if I could find something here.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMBt4eYCmo

He felt a wave of relief wash over him. “You’re okay?”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddES4HmDRH

“Yes,” she replied. “I’m fine. But I wanted to let you know that I miss you. I miss this place too. It’s strange, but... I want to come back.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2YfYtgmR5

Setting: The kidnapper’s home, moments later. The doorbell rang. The man’s heart raced as he hurried to open it.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshPhA78dcq

June stood at the doorway, her eyes shining with unshed tears. She looked different—more confident, yet vulnerable. The man’s breath caught in his throat as he saw her standing there.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiifE9Wf35

“June,” he said, his voice choked with emotion. “You’re back.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGpCth0HqP

June stepped inside, and he took her hands in his, his eyes searching hers. “I had to come back. I’ve realized what you’ve done for me. This... this is where I belong now.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hETqMF3Uk

The man’s face broke into a rare, heartfelt smile. The heaviness that had settled in his heart lifted as he realized that she was home, and not just in the house, but in the place where she was truly loved and cared for.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLayUjuZQv

“I’m glad you’re back,” he said softly. “I missed you more than you know.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2t1Cz6Ot7

June smiled, a tear escaping down her cheek. “I missed you too. Thank you—for everything.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJAjUqjS3F

They embraced, and in that moment, the past pain and confusion seemed to dissolve. The house, which had once felt empty, now felt whole again with June’s return. It was a new beginning for both of them—a chance to rebuild what had been lost.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1rDeWrL38

Afterwards, June and her captor, driven by their shared experiences, begin to gather all the children who longed for freedom and the girls who were constrained by their parents' expectations. They create a sanctuary where these young souls can finally experience life on their own terms, embracing their autonomy and forging their own paths.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bMifIF8G3

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhu7T0iS3lZ

“June, how are your grades?” her father asked abruptly, not looking up from his plate.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFM8OuTKSX

“Fine,” June replied quietly, staring at her food. She knew better than to share her struggles with her parents, who seemed more interested in discussing their own issues.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMRT4WCP5C

“Just fine?” her mother interjected. “You need to do better if you want to get into a good college.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5utVNGmD5z

June nodded, but her heart sank. She had tried so hard, but it never seemed to be enough. The silence that followed was thick and uncomfortable, as if her presence was an inconvenience.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAjkSxuqBt

Setting: June’s small, cluttered bedroom. The walls are decorated with posters of artists and dreamlike landscapes. June sits at her desk, working on an art project.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxWew9VEZk

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVL0GZTPX3z

“This is exactly why she’s failing!” her mother’s voice was sharp. “She doesn’t care about her future.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYd816onDR

“She’ll be fine,” her father retorted. “She just needs to apply herself.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjvvsJ2iws

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmApsjgwTc

Setting: A crowded middle school hallway during lunch break. Students bustle around, laughing and chatting. June stands alone at her locker, clutching her books.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHH9fdJcrL3

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTnilpyya3

A group of popular kids walked by, their laughter echoing in the hall. One of them, a boy named Ryan, glanced at her with a smirk. “Hey, June! How’s it going?”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYjo4GNB4r

June looked up, forcing a small smile. “Hi, Ryan.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSSlzo2Q4P

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCP2Pjv5KJn

Setting: June’s bedroom, late evening. June is studying at her desk. Her mother bursts in, her face tense.

June was hunched over her textbooks, trying to make sense of her homework. The door to her room flung open, and her mother stormed in.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VkdSnG6Gp

“June, we need to talk,” her mother said, her voice tight with frustration.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDx2C1BqVR

June looked up, startled. “About what?”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5KwEpWzS8

“About your grades!” her mother snapped. “You can’t keep ignoring your responsibilities. You’re falling behind.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxjKx8Wcrk

June’s heart raced as she tried to keep her voice steady. “I’m trying my best. I just need more time.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBv02W6M7S3

“Time isn’t going to fix this,” her mother replied sharply. “You need to get your act together.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTqgfGrxjL

The argument continued, a familiar pattern of blame and frustration. June felt tears sting her eyes but fought them back. She wished for understanding, but it seemed out of reach.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1NxN8k9ki

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNsHaRYiUs

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JkxkW3kPb

"Stop struggling," the man growled, his voice low and calm, which only made her fear spike. She kicked and thrashed, but his grip tightened.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiP4CvgfYe

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgnTD0PDD2

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtKLc6OCl7

"Eat," he said, shoving a plate of food at her. "I’m not going to kill you, but you’ll need your strength."

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3uH4IeZLS

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJFtVpKrVS

She refused to eat for days, hoping to make him suffer the way she was suffering. He didn’t seem to care.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEOWrOuO5i

“You’re only hurting yourself,” he would mutter, his face expressionless.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCO9WKnLwDZ

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZz1pz2Awx

Weeks passed, and one day, the phone rang. June overheard the man talking on the other end, her heart leaping at the thought that someone might be looking for her.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsNHXzs8E0

"I have your daughter," the man said, his voice steady.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFdEJsOOiO

June held her breath, waiting for the frantic response, the desperate plea to get her back.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZF3vEwHAq

“Keep her. Or sell her if you don't wanna keep.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE80rSOGchT

Her mother’s voice, cold as ice, sliced through June’s heart. The words repeated in her head like a broken record: Keep her. Keep her.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYKve4u6TD

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOg77iC9XEi

The man hung up the phone and glanced at her. For the first time, he looked less like a predator and more like... something else. But June didn’t care. She hated him. She hated everyone.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pJPc5UR5P

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKfDPYZ1lM

One day, after what felt like years but was only months, she snapped.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcT1RrBBHoR

“Why are you keeping me here?” she screamed, throwing the plate of food across the room. “What do you want from me? Just kill me already!”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEPXuw69st

He didn’t flinch, didn’t even blink. He calmly crouched down to pick up the shattered pieces of the plate, his movements slow and deliberate.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7GV8UhEQi

“I’m not going to kill you, June,” he said quietly. “You’re safer here than out there with them.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQBwxrwUBe

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuBfJJJQyY

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8GH9CQtuD

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGRyvl65vS

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqU5wqA92w

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXuNBrC9yC

One evening, as they sat in silence after training, June broke the quiet.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHoJGGewgQ

“Why did you take me?”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1YguMuZib

The man didn’t look at her immediately. He sat back, watching the sun set through the dirty window.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Abk70U5Wc

“I saw what they did to you,” he finally said, his voice soft. “You deserved better.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdxn6YMEuA

June’s chest tightened. She hated that his words made her feel something—some kind of connection. But it was there, undeniable.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHFVrKFdRk

“Are you going to let me go?” she asked quietly.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgugQLlT650

He didn’t answer right away, but when he did, his voice was steady. “Only when you’re ready.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9eBQonlRW3

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mQCWOfzk9

One day, the phone rang again. It was the hospital. Her brother was sick, and only her blood could save him.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pIEyXWgmQ

She went to the hospital, gave her blood, but when her mother appeared to ask her to come back, June simply shook her head.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EdnXmeLNr

“I’m not coming back,” she said firmly. “You never wanted me. Now, I don’t need you.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5a2fFmo39

She returned to the house that had become her home, where the man who had once been her captor was now the only family she knew.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2c2d2RtSLh

“Welcome back,” he said as she walked through the door.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPO5Y4yLl1T

June smiled for the first time in a long time. “I’m home.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsolSbc0Ky

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcnJr7xMod

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJ0TjV9VtO

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnh15n2sqGf

Her mother was the first to rush forward, tears in her eyes. “June! Oh, June, we’re so sorry. We should have—”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3YLWRSmTT

June held up a hand, stopping her mother mid-sentence. “Save it. I didn’t come back for apologies. I came because I wanted to see if there was anything left for me here.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1sX7tueSu

Her father, looking equally contrite, stepped forward. “We didn’t know... we thought you were lost to us forever. We should have done more.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhecwMSTWs

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPRimFelae

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQ48oTaXUA

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8d4xFmb0v4

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOC0L4doXaG

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKGDGNm2Eb

“June,” her mother said, breaking the silence, “we’ve arranged everything for you to come back to live with us. We’re sorry, truly.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHy5ZTkRyr

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiirK1ySyT3

Setting: Back at the kidnapper’s home. The man sat at the dinner table, the plate of food in front of him untouched. The phone rang suddenly, startling him. He picked it up with trembling hands.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwO0AOl6vl

“Hello?”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNW2WUs6oKT

A familiar voice came through the line. “It’s me, June.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWF2n3cBGB

His heart skipped a beat. “June... where are you?”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMzLC9UMhv

“I’m at home,” she said. “I came back because they needed me. But I didn’t forget you. I just needed to see if I could find something here.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJn9FTjKjU

He felt a wave of relief wash over him. “You’re okay?”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwfjyGgzWu

“Yes,” she replied. “I’m fine. But I wanted to let you know that I miss you. I miss this place too. It’s strange, but... I want to come back.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BmpY4IXYF

Setting: The kidnapper’s home, moments later. The doorbell rang. The man’s heart raced as he hurried to open it.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUdipfOe60

June stood at the doorway, her eyes shining with unshed tears. She looked different—more confident, yet vulnerable. The man’s breath caught in his throat as he saw her standing there.

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdT2SR9ZdzE

“June,” he said, his voice choked with emotion. “You’re back.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNQCUxLYCo

June stepped inside, and he took her hands in his, his eyes searching hers. “I had to come back. I’ve realized what you’ve done for me. This... this is where I belong now.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkKGBBaYlE

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnAHrSJOnX

“I’m glad you’re back,” he said softly. “I missed you more than you know.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnetQhfusT2

June smiled, a tear escaping down her cheek. “I missed you too. Thank you—for everything.”

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBl2utoVDdN

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohmIbddfHZ

276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPix72gVGB

ns216.73.216.224da2

介面主題:

字體大小:

行距:

段距:

自動加載下一章