My Sense of Crisis

I guided him all the way to the parking lot, hastily opening the door and urging him into the passenger seat. Every second delayed felt like an invitation for potential danger, leaving me anxious about who might lay eyes on him, who might snatch him away. Once I got into the car, I wasted no time in driving off. It wasn't until we were well beyond the confines of the supermarket that I finally stopped the car, stealing a glance at the precious one beside me, who had narrowly escaped harm.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine, thank you, Ryan."

It was a relief that he was okay. But when I saw the hickey on his neck, that familiar surge of anger rose within me.

"Neil, when something like this happens, you have to protect yourself. What if I hadn't been there, or if I wasn't by your side next time?"

"I'm sorry."

"I don't want your apologies! I want you to stand up to them! If they try to force you, you have to push back!"

"I did push back, but they grabbed me."

"You're a man, can't you push