tw: attempt on sexual assault

We continued to enjoy the festival that night. Living my fullest life wasn’t something I could afford daily, after all. Hera, though, had been fidgety ever since. Well, I understand that people in this neighborhood might dislike the royals, but why was she extremely anxious? I didn’t question her, though. I tried to drag her around to enjoy the entire night.

It was already late. It was time to go back. The day was fun and all, but we still had to go back. So, I told Hera, “Let’s go back,” and pulled her arm gently.

It seemed that I startled her somehow. She looked at me, as though confused. She looked hesitant, but then she said, “I... can you go back first?” she asked. “I... have to take care... of something...”

Her voice trailed, as though she didn’t really want to say anything. I was confused, true, but I thought she needed time for herself. I trusted her. So, I smiled and reassured her, “Sure! Take care of yourself and get back quick, okay? The night is young, but still, being careful hurts no one!”

Hera smiled apologetically. She thanked me before going the other way back into the crowd. I didn’t think much about it then. I left the festival.

And so, I walked back home. The walk back home was quite far if I followed the main road. Luckily, I had known the shortcuts by heart. There was a bit of walking around the alleyway in the dark, but it was better than taking the long way.

I turned around the corner into the first shortcut alley, away from the crowd. Normally, no one would take this path because it pretty much led to nowhere. So, I walked casually and not afraid. However, though, I noticed someone following me. I walked faster. There was then the other smaller alley. I took a turn and picked up my pace. But, somehow, the guy behind me caught up. At that point, I was terrified. I couldn’t imagine what would happen to me. I felt my heart beating so fast it was about to explode.

The person caught up to me. It was a drunk old man. His breath smelled like alcohol and rotten food. It was so unpleasant it made me nauseous. I did try to get away, but he caught my wrists and slammed me on the damp wall. I was dead scared. I kicked him, but he didn’t seem to be affected. It was crazy. I wanted to scream, but I knew that it wouldn’t help. No one ever walked this alley.

“Why are you walking alone here, darling?” the nasty man asked. I wish my hands were free so I could have punched his ugly face. “You invited me, don’t you?”

Oh, God, it was disgusting. Even now, thinking about it, I’m still getting chills. I was in fear. I felt helpless, I couldn’t focus on anything. I was about to cry. Maybe his hand had touched me somewhere, I couldn’t figure out. I was too terrified I was numb.

But, then, someone punched him down. It was Hera. Suddenly, I felt relieved. My knees lost their strength and I fell down trembling, while Hera jumped on that man and punched him endlessly. “Don’t! Fucking! Touch! My! Girl!” I heard her screaming in anger.

My mind didn’t register the situation immediately. When my strength was back and my mind cleared, I saw the guy was already beaten pretty badly. I jumped and held Hera back. “Hera, it’s okay! Stop it!” I yelled, pulling her back. Hera was panting—breathing like a wild threatened animal. She was shaking so badly, but I held her tight. I reassured her that I was okay, and dragged her back home.

It was hard getting Hera back home, but we were finally there. I didn’t have any first aid kit, so I cleaned the bruises on her knuckle with some water and clean towel, and wrapped them with another clean cloth. Hera had her head down the entire time, her expression blank. I cared for her injuries calmly and silently.

“I wish didn’t tell you to go home alone,” Hera whispered finally. She sounded remorseful. “I’m sorry.” Hera then explained that when she left, she was struck by a bad feeling. So, she went back but didn’t see me among the crowds. She recalled the shortcuts we took to get to the festival and took those same shortcuts to find me. Gladly, though, she found me right on time.

I hugged her. “It’s okay, it’s not your fault,” I reassured her. Nothing like this had happened to me when I used this shortcut before, so it was a surprise. However, Hera was quick to save me. She didn’t have to blame herself. She was too hard on herself.

“I’m sorry...” she repeated, sounding even more painful.

I held her even tighter and rubbed her back. “It’s okay,” I reassured her again and again.

Hera then pushed my embrace away, looking directly into my eyes. “We should run away. Together. To somewhere safe,” she suggested, sounding more serious than before.

It was too sudden, so I laughed. But, it wasn’t a bad idea. “Oh, sure,” I said. “Then, we really should elope now, shouldn’t we?”