Hidden Helper

June, a fourteen-year-old girl, lives with her parents and a younger brother. Isolated and struggling with self-worth, she has always been overshadowed by her parents’ constant criticism and neglect. Their unrelenting taunts have left her grappling with a lack of confidence and a sense of invisibility.

Setting: June sat at the end of the long, wooden dining table, her plate barely touched. Her parents sat at the opposite end, engrossed in their conversation about work and finances, barely acknowledging her presence.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCmzjmNhem

“June, how are your grades?” her father asked abruptly, not looking up from his plate.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MOD8XxjCx

“Fine,” June replied quietly, staring at her food. She knew better than to share her struggles with her parents, who seemed more interested in discussing their own issues.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEuahyXMfN

“Just fine?” her mother interjected. “You need to do better if you want to get into a good college.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqi27pniMA

June nodded, but her heart sank. She had tried so hard, but it never seemed to be enough. The silence that followed was thick and uncomfortable, as if her presence was an inconvenience.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3iIh3YyHC

Setting: June’s small, cluttered bedroom. The walls are decorated with posters of artists and dreamlike landscapes. June sits at her desk, working on an art project.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJwV8BvIw2

June sat at her desk, a sketchpad spread out before her. She was absorbed in drawing, her pencil moving swiftly across the page. Her door was slightly ajar, and she could hear her parents arguing down the hallway, their voices rising.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6gz6ryvu2

“This is exactly why she’s failing!” her mother’s voice was sharp. “She doesn’t care about her future.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsikXdAB7C

“She’ll be fine,” her father retorted. “She just needs to apply herself.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbecSso9Fh

June tried to block out the noise, focusing on the swirls of color and lines on her paper. Art was her escape, her way of finding peace amid the chaos. She could lose herself in it for hours, feeling the weight of the world lift off her shoulders, if only for a little while.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztLAXujhMv

Setting: A crowded middle school hallway during lunch break. Students bustle around, laughing and chatting. June stands alone at her locker, clutching her books.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFPtdA5vBF

June stood by her locker, her gaze fixed on the floor as she avoided eye contact with the groups of students laughing and talking around her. She could hear snippets of conversations about weekend plans and upcoming tests, but she felt disconnected from it all.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOnzhvQL4U

A group of popular kids walked by, their laughter echoing in the hall. One of them, a boy named Ryan, glanced at her with a smirk. “Hey, June! How’s it going?”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MD2vw0i4i

June looked up, forcing a small smile. “Hi, Ryan.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwryamnTFU8

He nodded and continued walking, his friends following behind, leaving June feeling invisible once more. She sighed, closing her locker and heading to the cafeteria, where she found a quiet corner to sit alone.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyNt5obb9R

Setting: June’s bedroom, late evening. June is studying at her desk. Her mother bursts in, her face tense.

June was hunched over her textbooks, trying to make sense of her homework. The door to her room flung open, and her mother stormed in.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡto31fN5oaw

“June, we need to talk,” her mother said, her voice tight with frustration.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3he7DFcj2u

June looked up, startled. “About what?”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxL9xYqQAEr

“About your grades!” her mother snapped. “You can’t keep ignoring your responsibilities. You’re falling behind.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0nIv5XrLy

June’s heart raced as she tried to keep her voice steady. “I’m trying my best. I just need more time.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApmSBtCkk2

“Time isn’t going to fix this,” her mother replied sharply. “You need to get your act together.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5kfiBFZWA

The argument continued, a familiar pattern of blame and frustration. June felt tears sting her eyes but fought them back. She wished for understanding, but it seemed out of reach.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡollAkUIPI1

June never imagined her life would turn into a nightmare—and then something even more confusing. At fourteen, she was already familiar with the feeling of being unloved, neglected by her family and overlooked in every possible way. Still, she wasn’t prepared for what came next.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMMePusAON

One dark, silent evening, while walking home from school, she was snatched off the street. A rough hand clamped over her mouth, and a shadowy figure dragged her into a van. Panic hit her like a tidal wave as the door slammed shut. In that moment, fear consumed her.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchMGeVPrEZ

"Stop struggling," the man growled, his voice low and calm, which only made her fear spike. She kicked and thrashed, but his grip tightened.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoOMFSSHCN

He wasn’t gentle. His face remained hidden in the dim light, but she could feel the menace radiating from him. Why me? June thought frantically, heart pounding. All she wanted was to disappear back into the safety of her dull, neglected life.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvs2GiN8Uag

Days passed, each one more unbearable than the last. She was kept in a small, shabby room in a house somewhere far from home. The man, her captor, didn’t speak much. When he did, his words were clipped, cold.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJD3jTssMwv

"Eat," he said, shoving a plate of food at her. "I’m not going to kill you, but you’ll need your strength."

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdDWQIQISn

Not going to kill me? June scoffed inside her mind, her hatred building with every passing moment. She was convinced this man had ruined her life. Her family was probably frantic, searching for her—at least that’s what she told herself to keep the loneliness at bay.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxwpS7BPgi

She refused to eat for days, hoping to make him suffer the way she was suffering. He didn’t seem to care.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4afn7wWLve

“You’re only hurting yourself,” he would mutter, his face expressionless.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwunPxN9nY9

Every time he came close, she glared at him, wishing she had the strength to fight, to escape. She spent her nights awake, trying to piece together an escape plan. But he was always there, watching quietly, waiting for something—though she couldn’t figure out what.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScNUXNX7ab

Weeks passed, and one day, the phone rang. June overheard the man talking on the other end, her heart leaping at the thought that someone might be looking for her.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04nJmiKl09

"I have your daughter," the man said, his voice steady.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXAmxumG0m

June held her breath, waiting for the frantic response, the desperate plea to get her back.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKWO1vQPz7

“Keep her. Or sell her if you don't wanna keep.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCjPrvoyGb

Her mother’s voice, cold as ice, sliced through June’s heart. The words repeated in her head like a broken record: Keep her. Keep her.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLptCdEc3V

That was the moment she realized the truth—no one was coming for her. Not her mother, not her father. No one cared that she was gone. The rage and hurt that had been simmering inside her turned cold. She hated this man, but she hated her family even more. It was a new kind of pain, one that cut deeper than anything she had felt before.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhodJgjZqLD

The man hung up the phone and glanced at her. For the first time, he looked less like a predator and more like... something else. But June didn’t care. She hated him. She hated everyone.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1KUDI1xYo

Over time, her captor's behavior started to confuse her. He wasn't violent, and despite her constant glares and attempts to provoke him, he never retaliated. He wasn’t what she expected. He brought her food every day, clean clothes, and even books—none of which she touched at first. She didn’t want his pity or kindness. She didn’t want anything from him.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5X7adfEgq

One day, after what felt like years but was only months, she snapped.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZx4tjB3UA

“Why are you keeping me here?” she screamed, throwing the plate of food across the room. “What do you want from me? Just kill me already!”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxL5h2O0k4s

He didn’t flinch, didn’t even blink. He calmly crouched down to pick up the shattered pieces of the plate, his movements slow and deliberate.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6MPTstyvX

“I’m not going to kill you, June,” he said quietly. “You’re safer here than out there with them.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIpdXYk6rO

His words made her blood boil. She hated the way he acted like he knew her, like he understood her life. He doesn’t know anything! she thought furiously. She wanted to scream again, to fight him, but she was too exhausted. Instead, she sank to the floor, feeling defeated.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3nI4D4D5m

Weeks turned into months, and something strange began to happen. The man—who she still couldn’t bring herself to call by name—started teaching her things. Self-defense. Survival skills. He told her to be strong, that the world wasn’t kind. And for reasons she couldn’t understand, she listened.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGboOqB14uE

It started small. One day, she asked him a question. Another day, she followed his instructions during training. Soon, they weren’t just two strangers locked in a room together. They were something else entirely.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWS9v5bQjf

He wasn’t cruel like she had once thought. In fact, he treated her better than her own family ever did. The realization hit her one morning when he brought her breakfast. She looked at him, really looked at him, and felt something shift inside her.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbH1xGMaik

As months passed, June’s feelings changed from fear to confusion, and finally to something like gratitude. She couldn’t hate him anymore. He wasn’t the monster she had believed him to be. He had taken her from a life where she was invisible and made her feel... seen. Slowly, reluctantly, she felt herself beginning to trust him.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNr98HiDFw

One evening, as they sat in silence after training, June broke the quiet.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHY8PjJdil

“Why did you take me?”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrBBiTJZjq

The man didn’t look at her immediately. He sat back, watching the sun set through the dirty window.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91n78fIDEd

“I saw what they did to you,” he finally said, his voice soft. “You deserved better.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJWC72UKy2

June’s chest tightened. She hated that his words made her feel something—some kind of connection. But it was there, undeniable.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zv8tZNWNU

“Are you going to let me go?” she asked quietly.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLUnTpK2XP

He didn’t answer right away, but when he did, his voice was steady. “Only when you’re ready.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaO3NW3uaWy

Months turned into a year, and June had changed. She was no longer the helpless, invisible girl she had been when she was first taken. She had become stronger, both physically and mentally. The bond between her and the man had grown into something she never expected—affection, even trust.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUkL0GXqXU

One day, the phone rang again. It was the hospital. Her brother was sick, and only her blood could save him.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUBfQ68KI0

She went to the hospital, gave her blood, but when her mother appeared to ask her to come back, June simply shook her head.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCs9qezowZT

“I’m not coming back,” she said firmly. “You never wanted me. Now, I don’t need you.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNhqJAk16v

She returned to the house that had become her home, where the man who had once been her captor was now the only family she knew.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nbH3RWyIh

“Welcome back,” he said as she walked through the door.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeZ0WXAtpm

June smiled for the first time in a long time. “I’m home.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnc1zcwsHcs

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtjOJp4UF0

Setting: The living room of June’s family home. The room is warm, lit up with the soft glow of lamps. Her parents are anxiously waiting, their faces etched with a mixture of relief and guilt. June stands at the doorway, looking hesitant but resolute.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbt9FhbAdzI

June took a deep breath and stepped into the house she had once called home. The familiar but distant scent of her childhood filled the air—clean laundry, old books, and something faintly reminiscent of home-cooked meals. It was strange how the place, once a symbol of neglect, now felt oddly comforting.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnq0ExTBCCG

Her mother was the first to rush forward, tears in her eyes. “June! Oh, June, we’re so sorry. We should have—”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Zpoow0JM3

June held up a hand, stopping her mother mid-sentence. “Save it. I didn’t come back for apologies. I came because I wanted to see if there was anything left for me here.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqCN9WdKd4

Her father, looking equally contrite, stepped forward. “We didn’t know... we thought you were lost to us forever. We should have done more.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwITsGmpfTd

June’s heart ached. Part of her wanted to embrace the small sense of victory, but another part was still raw from the abandonment. “I helped my brother because it was the right thing to do. But this... this doesn’t change anything.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡothbmBNDu2

Setting: Back at the kidnapper’s home, the man sat in silence, staring at a photo of June. The room felt colder, emptier. He had grown accustomed to her presence—the sound of her laughter, the way she would ask questions, her silent resilience. Without her, the house seemed too quiet, too still.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMmryKhUrl

He walked to the window, gazing out at the street, his heart heavy. He missed her more than he had anticipated. The space she had once filled was now a painful void, and the house seemed too big, too quiet without her. The days felt longer, and the nights were filled with thoughts of her, of what they had shared.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRp5myOKpqV

He had always known that letting her go was part of the deal, but the reality of it was unbearable. He busied himself with tasks around the house, but his mind kept wandering to her absence. He even found himself checking the time, hoping for a phone call or a message that would signal her return.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKaxvdqMKNC

Setting: June’s family home, somehow they have forced June to stay atleast one night. The next morning, June was sitting at the kitchen table, her family surrounding her, trying to make amends with lavish meals and heartfelt apologies. As June looked around, she felt a pang of something missing.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUOftmL928

“June,” her mother said, breaking the silence, “we’ve arranged everything for you to come back to live with us. We’re sorry, truly.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PUAevJv3j

June looked at her mother’s hopeful face and then at her father’s remorseful expression. She could see they were trying, but the effort felt hollow. A part of her wanted to believe them, but another part—one that had grown strong and independent—was unsure.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaJEKfUHeG

Setting: Back at the kidnapper’s home. The man sat at the dinner table, the plate of food in front of him untouched. The phone rang suddenly, startling him. He picked it up with trembling hands.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2EZLRniBw

“Hello?”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqj4kaFTLOD

A familiar voice came through the line. “It’s me, June.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9rwe5ZrvC

His heart skipped a beat. “June... where are you?”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsz3aQ7ujRc

“I’m at home,” she said. “I came back because they needed me. But I didn’t forget you. I just needed to see if I could find something here.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmG2GSMsaFy

He felt a wave of relief wash over him. “You’re okay?”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXyh4e74mb

“Yes,” she replied. “I’m fine. But I wanted to let you know that I miss you. I miss this place too. It’s strange, but... I want to come back.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RUdjJS56v

Setting: The kidnapper’s home, moments later. The doorbell rang. The man’s heart raced as he hurried to open it.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qpevKFuwq

June stood at the doorway, her eyes shining with unshed tears. She looked different—more confident, yet vulnerable. The man’s breath caught in his throat as he saw her standing there.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFxX6i4Soq

“June,” he said, his voice choked with emotion. “You’re back.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyd6GMFxHJM

June stepped inside, and he took her hands in his, his eyes searching hers. “I had to come back. I’ve realized what you’ve done for me. This... this is where I belong now.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCYg48glvJ

The man’s face broke into a rare, heartfelt smile. The heaviness that had settled in his heart lifted as he realized that she was home, and not just in the house, but in the place where she was truly loved and cared for.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNvR616o6a

“I’m glad you’re back,” he said softly. “I missed you more than you know.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcO4z8ZK0P6

June smiled, a tear escaping down her cheek. “I missed you too. Thank you—for everything.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8L2h2mkZQb

They embraced, and in that moment, the past pain and confusion seemed to dissolve. The house, which had once felt empty, now felt whole again with June’s return. It was a new beginning for both of them—a chance to rebuild what had been lost.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiMRJEn3SY

Afterwards, June and her captor, driven by their shared experiences, begin to gather all the children who longed for freedom and the girls who were constrained by their parents' expectations. They create a sanctuary where these young souls can finally experience life on their own terms, embracing their autonomy and forging their own paths.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5MYlw2T4u

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaD8lnudMVa

“June, how are your grades?” her father asked abruptly, not looking up from his plate.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9rvwFOBEN

“Fine,” June replied quietly, staring at her food. She knew better than to share her struggles with her parents, who seemed more interested in discussing their own issues.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofBWJvY1v4

“Just fine?” her mother interjected. “You need to do better if you want to get into a good college.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGW5irFbDG

June nodded, but her heart sank. She had tried so hard, but it never seemed to be enough. The silence that followed was thick and uncomfortable, as if her presence was an inconvenience.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4IKQ8kMrT

Setting: June’s small, cluttered bedroom. The walls are decorated with posters of artists and dreamlike landscapes. June sits at her desk, working on an art project.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cE9LVofrs

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UdD06xGXu

“This is exactly why she’s failing!” her mother’s voice was sharp. “She doesn’t care about her future.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaulMZf7V51

“She’ll be fine,” her father retorted. “She just needs to apply herself.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrTYS3rNyl

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOD51I1z3q7

Setting: A crowded middle school hallway during lunch break. Students bustle around, laughing and chatting. June stands alone at her locker, clutching her books.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeN6KVzFn4

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7L21YqUvNO

A group of popular kids walked by, their laughter echoing in the hall. One of them, a boy named Ryan, glanced at her with a smirk. “Hey, June! How’s it going?”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXcNSpa3bt

June looked up, forcing a small smile. “Hi, Ryan.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaodeGgp8C0

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoGUY5WIxa

Setting: June’s bedroom, late evening. June is studying at her desk. Her mother bursts in, her face tense.

June was hunched over her textbooks, trying to make sense of her homework. The door to her room flung open, and her mother stormed in.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEGPCk2K5r

“June, we need to talk,” her mother said, her voice tight with frustration.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72cvfB7AxF

June looked up, startled. “About what?”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1v0L03S41

“About your grades!” her mother snapped. “You can’t keep ignoring your responsibilities. You’re falling behind.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaWD6vriBl

June’s heart raced as she tried to keep her voice steady. “I’m trying my best. I just need more time.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5IZBNmpcm

“Time isn’t going to fix this,” her mother replied sharply. “You need to get your act together.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknGvzjiyVX

The argument continued, a familiar pattern of blame and frustration. June felt tears sting her eyes but fought them back. She wished for understanding, but it seemed out of reach.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JRCy2UQJB

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9Lpmy8HjK

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8gmwb6pGO

"Stop struggling," the man growled, his voice low and calm, which only made her fear spike. She kicked and thrashed, but his grip tightened.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tmPJejzhl

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraOEnWQZPM

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UeEjKF35b

"Eat," he said, shoving a plate of food at her. "I’m not going to kill you, but you’ll need your strength."

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXXlEpTMYY

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0928VKlBfu

She refused to eat for days, hoping to make him suffer the way she was suffering. He didn’t seem to care.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAvI4EKG1F

“You’re only hurting yourself,” he would mutter, his face expressionless.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17vmUSQpnD

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yPGxGKcRP

Weeks passed, and one day, the phone rang. June overheard the man talking on the other end, her heart leaping at the thought that someone might be looking for her.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKt005XkdGb

"I have your daughter," the man said, his voice steady.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoh4C7Wx19a

June held her breath, waiting for the frantic response, the desperate plea to get her back.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9QidAblLM

“Keep her. Or sell her if you don't wanna keep.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IMEgr8E4x

Her mother’s voice, cold as ice, sliced through June’s heart. The words repeated in her head like a broken record: Keep her. Keep her.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sOubpM957

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZm3GwLhZVU

The man hung up the phone and glanced at her. For the first time, he looked less like a predator and more like... something else. But June didn’t care. She hated him. She hated everyone.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOcg86XJNA

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8tqA633Se

One day, after what felt like years but was only months, she snapped.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7Qbmm6qDn

“Why are you keeping me here?” she screamed, throwing the plate of food across the room. “What do you want from me? Just kill me already!”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2V3779kqkD

He didn’t flinch, didn’t even blink. He calmly crouched down to pick up the shattered pieces of the plate, his movements slow and deliberate.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6whRVmC5g8

“I’m not going to kill you, June,” he said quietly. “You’re safer here than out there with them.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzU0KDqDwjP

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPoZR4Iuoo

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomRt9Plu9F

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡye9Kp5adEb

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPXb9VXkjZ

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmk1uArkj0S

One evening, as they sat in silence after training, June broke the quiet.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CedL5wv1X

“Why did you take me?”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUqNqvyd5S

The man didn’t look at her immediately. He sat back, watching the sun set through the dirty window.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6fMSl2aGL

“I saw what they did to you,” he finally said, his voice soft. “You deserved better.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaCt73cI2O

June’s chest tightened. She hated that his words made her feel something—some kind of connection. But it was there, undeniable.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lNy6BHKpb

“Are you going to let me go?” she asked quietly.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpxKsqBXjX

He didn’t answer right away, but when he did, his voice was steady. “Only when you’re ready.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfxQngTYPL

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6Ka3o0sat

One day, the phone rang again. It was the hospital. Her brother was sick, and only her blood could save him.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTSw1iSeO1

She went to the hospital, gave her blood, but when her mother appeared to ask her to come back, June simply shook her head.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLxZLDBXVW

“I’m not coming back,” she said firmly. “You never wanted me. Now, I don’t need you.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hNWAorHpU

She returned to the house that had become her home, where the man who had once been her captor was now the only family she knew.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvEFcHwvK9

“Welcome back,” he said as she walked through the door.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtbPC71IDh

June smiled for the first time in a long time. “I’m home.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50U9NTzAvP

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhc9UjAMLxO

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUhRqg0fn5

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pdHIZVfpG

Her mother was the first to rush forward, tears in her eyes. “June! Oh, June, we’re so sorry. We should have—”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92IZRhjRXK

June held up a hand, stopping her mother mid-sentence. “Save it. I didn’t come back for apologies. I came because I wanted to see if there was anything left for me here.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVF5docSWMV

Her father, looking equally contrite, stepped forward. “We didn’t know... we thought you were lost to us forever. We should have done more.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hSUpnXHz2

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMnt68zkqz

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEY7tPoqxxZ

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jLr1VjSoh

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysFEUuHChU

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtfV6JIC0H

“June,” her mother said, breaking the silence, “we’ve arranged everything for you to come back to live with us. We’re sorry, truly.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFbVwniUsV

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8iJGkI0ii

Setting: Back at the kidnapper’s home. The man sat at the dinner table, the plate of food in front of him untouched. The phone rang suddenly, startling him. He picked it up with trembling hands.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuu8LHntKLs

“Hello?”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWIdJDvCfw

A familiar voice came through the line. “It’s me, June.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoU6SeuyUiI

His heart skipped a beat. “June... where are you?”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDzJuwN7Sl

“I’m at home,” she said. “I came back because they needed me. But I didn’t forget you. I just needed to see if I could find something here.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLP1gHSt3W0

He felt a wave of relief wash over him. “You’re okay?”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYfZpzGdZr

“Yes,” she replied. “I’m fine. But I wanted to let you know that I miss you. I miss this place too. It’s strange, but... I want to come back.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0vLj2NPIr

Setting: The kidnapper’s home, moments later. The doorbell rang. The man’s heart raced as he hurried to open it.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOQlbDYpSx

June stood at the doorway, her eyes shining with unshed tears. She looked different—more confident, yet vulnerable. The man’s breath caught in his throat as he saw her standing there.

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGts5xB78B

“June,” he said, his voice choked with emotion. “You’re back.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoTS7YDAE3

June stepped inside, and he took her hands in his, his eyes searching hers. “I had to come back. I’ve realized what you’ve done for me. This... this is where I belong now.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0aGlvOj0D

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWB9EdyKDHE

“I’m glad you’re back,” he said softly. “I missed you more than you know.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIS07idVDBI

June smiled, a tear escaping down her cheek. “I missed you too. Thank you—for everything.”

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCf90mcaly

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1waN9vMtIs

177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXdXf9gHtn

ns18.224.252.183da2

REGISTER

LOGIN

Interface Language:

Story Language: