Today, January 25, 2018, it’s time to put the plan into action. The cold January air blows through the trees while Katara stands by my side at the bait site. White snow lays on the ground. The text to meet here had been sent to Philip over an hour ago. ‘Where is he,’ I think. After 5 minutes, I hear the sound of feet on snow and all too familiar voices. Sensing my uneasiness, Katara leans into me. I grip the pull strap tighter. Seconds later, Philip and some of his friends round the corner. Panic starts to rise in me. ‘Where are the rest of them?’

At the sight of me, he puts on the smile that I saw the night of the attack. “I got your text, Amber. Said you wanted to talk. Apparently, the talk from 3 months ago wasn't enough?” With each word, he creeps closer; I back away. “Why back away if you wanted to talk to me, Amber? Afraid something is going to happen? Is that why you have the doggie with you so it can defend you?” Seconds later, he is on top of me, pinning me to the ground with a knife to my throat while his friends cut off any escape routes. The cold snow seeps through my hat and coat. Katara is nowhere in sight but I hear her yelping and whimpering. Growling, he says, “I thought I had ended you 3 months ago but it apparently didn’t work. Now I’m going to make sure you're gone for good!” He brings the knife closer to my throat when I hear the SWAT teams yelling.

“FREEZE!! DROP THE WEAPON AND PUT YOUR HANDS IN THE AIR!!” Philip becomes distracted so I take my only chance to escape. Pulling myself from his grip, I start to run only to feel the cold metal of the knife graze my arm and the hot feeling of my blood seconds later. The once crystal white snow beneath me was now a bright shade of crimson. Turning around, I see the SWAT team upon Philip and his friends. “Philip Forge, you're under arrest for attempted murder and abuse. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say may be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to consult an….” My nightmare is almost over. I watch Philip get put in handcuffs and taken away. Katara comes running up to my side. I pick up her pull strap and stand there.

My eyes still on the figure of Philip, I whisper, “It's almost over Katara. It’s almost over.” Feeling slightly faint, I lean against a nearby tree as my vision starts to blur. Tears start to stream down my face. Katara responds instantly, pulling me to the ground and starting deep pressure therapy. Soon after Katara brings me back to reality, the medics arrive with Nick and my parents close behind. They check my vitals and wrap my arm to slow the bleeding.

Turning to my parents, one of the medics says, “She might need a few stitches for the wound but otherwise ok.”

Enveloping me in a hug, my mom whispers, “Amber, I was so worried. I’m glad you're ok. Let’s get you to the ambulance.” Helping me to stand up, we walk towards the parking lot. Nick drapes his arm over my shoulders and I lean into his touch.

Turning to my father, I say, “Dad, that wasn’t all of them.”

Looking puzzled, he questions, “What do you mean Amber?”

“I mean that wasn’t all of his friends. That was only a few. There’s more and they will probably finish Philips work for him.”

“I’ll find them and arrest them before they can lay a single finger on you!!”

We arrive at the ambulance and I climb in with Katara close behind. Katara continues to provide deep pressure therapy to keep me calm. I grip her white fur and let my brunette locks fall over her as I put my face into her fur. Her doggy smell and the scent of autumn fill my nose bringing me more peace. Nick sits on the bench next to the gurney and holds my hand in his.

I turn and look at him. He looks perfect as always. He cups my cheek in his. Closing my eyes, I lean in. The magic that was there on our first date is there once again. We pull away, breathless. “That was perfect, Amber,” Nick whispers. I turn away smiling but my cheeks feel like they are 5 different shades of red. Katara gives me the look that your friend would give you when you kiss a boy. The look says, ‘Oh my god, you just kissed him! Amber and Nick, sitting in a tree….’ You know the rest. I stick my tongue out ay Katara only to get one of her puppy grins back. Typical Katara.

We arrive at the hospital and find out the wound isn’t too deep and only requires a few stitches as the medics had said. We leave the hospital after an hour and arrive at my house where I go straight to my bed and have the first sleep without monitors beeping around me or doctors in and out of my room.