Caught by her stepfather

The clock on the wall seemed to tick slower with every passing minute. Krissy's heart raced as she attempted to calm her thoughts, reminding herself that she was close to freedom. But a heavy dread settled in the pit of her stomach, making her feel nauseated.

Suddenly, the front doors to the bus station swung open with a loud bang, causing her to jump in her seat. There stood her stepfather, his eyes scanning the room with a hunger that was familiar to Krissy.

The moment their eyes met, his face twisted in anger. He began to march toward her, his steps echoing throughout the cavernous room.

"Thought you could run away, did you?" he spat, grabbing her arm tightly.

"Let go of me!" Krissy tried to pull her arm back, her voice shaky.

"You think you can just leave after everything I've done for you? After all the sacrifices I've made?"

Krissy's eyes filled with tears.

He leaned in, his breath foul, his voice low and threatening, "You owe me, Krissy. Do you think the world out there will treat you any better? They'll chew you up and spit you out. You're coming home right now!"

The bus's engine roared, preparing for departure. Krissy looked over her shoulder at her chance to escape pitifully. Krissy nodded, realizing her chance of escape had been thwarted.

As her stepfather led her out of the bus station by her arm, Krissy's gaze lingered on the bus she would have boarded.