Isabella heard a strange sound coming from a nearby alley.
She stopped.
“Is anyone there?”
There was no answer.
She thought about continuing her walk.
But the next moment, she heard a man groaning in pain.
She slowly walked towards the alley.
When she arrived, she froze.
A man was leaning against a wall.
His shirt was covered in blood, and one hand was pressed against his chest.
He looked pale.
But when he lifted his head, Isabella noticed his eyes.
They were cold and frightening.
“Please...” she whispered. “Are you okay?”
He looked at her.
“Come here.”
Isabella hesitated.
“You need an ambulance.”
“I said, come here.”
She took a small step forward.
Then she noticed the gun in his hand.
Her heart began to beat faster.
“Please don't hurt me.”
“Do you have a home nearby?”
“What?”
“Your home. Is it close?”
Isabella slowly nodded.
“Yes, but...”
“Take me there.”
She stared at him.
“I don't even know you!”
He tried to stand straight, but his body trembled with pain.
“Do you want to die tonight?”
“No!”
“Then take me to your home.”
He raised his gun and pointed it at her.
Tears filled Isabella's eyes.
She had never felt death this close before.
“Please...” she whispered. “I haven't done anything wrong.”
“Then help me.”
She looked at his wound.
He was losing a lot of blood.
She knew she should run away.
She also knew she should call the police.
But the gun was pointed at her, and she was terrified.
“Okay...” she whispered. “I'll help you.”
“Move.”
Isabella turned and walked towards her apartment.
The injured man followed her, holding his gun.
Every few steps, he stopped because of the pain and struggled to catch his breath.
Finally, they reached her apartment.
Isabella unlocked the door with trembling hands.
“Go inside,” he ordered.
She opened the door.
He entered and looked around the small room.
“Do you live alone?”
“Yes.”
“Will anyone else come here tonight?”
“No.”
“Good. Close the door.”
She did as he said.
The moment the door closed, Isabella realised something terrible.
She had brought a dangerous stranger into her home.
And she had no idea how to get him out.
To be continued...