For: tuppsilla

Partner: Exo's Lay

“No, stop. Stop it!” She barely pulled away and ran away into the dark night. She frantically looked around trying to find help but couldn’t see anything but darkness. No speck of light anywhere. Suddenly, a pair of rough hands grabbed her shoulders and turned her around. She screamed and struggled to get away but there was no hope. “You . Who allowed you to hang out with him, huh?!” A hand came flying down, causing her to feel a burning sting on her left cheek. “Did you have fun?” He roughly grabbed and pulled her hair to make her look up at him.

“I asked you a question, . Are you ignoring me right now?” He pushed her to the ground and kicked her stomach. She lay there, having no more strength to fight back. She then saw a glint in the man’s hand and panicked once she realized what it was. “No please, I won’t ever do it again. I won’t even talk to my brother. Please.” The man smirked and crouched down to her level. “You think begging will help? You should’ve thought about it before.” He raised the knife before bringing it down toward her. “No! Ahhhh!”

“Ahhhhh!” Anna jolted up with a scream. She looked around her and realized that she was in bed and that that was just a nightmare. She wrapped her arms around her fragile body and shivered with sweat running down her forehead.

Suddenly, a pair of hands touched her shoulders. Anna automatically shut her eyes, screaming and flailing her body around to defend herself. “Anna.”

“Anna, it’s okay. It’s just me.” As soon as she heard the voice, she calmed down as tears ran down her cheeks. Strong arms pulled her into a tight, warm embrace. “Shh, it’s okay. I’m here.” Anna leaned against her boyfriend’s broad chest and quietly let her tears run down her face. Lay caressed her long brown hair and whispered comforting words into her ear.

Half an hour later, Anna fell asleep again, exhausted from crying. Lay held her close and continued to caress her hair. “Everything’s okay now, baobei. And everything will be okay from now on. Don’t worry. I’ll protect you.” He leaned down and kissed her left cheek.

The sun was up and Lay woke up to the smell of morning coffee. As soon as he entered the kitchen, he heard a happy voice greeting him. “Good morning, boyfriend! Come eat, I made your favorite blueberry pancakes.” Anna set the plate down on the table and beamed at him. Even though she had a nightmare again, she was as happy as ever and Lay was used to it.

He was glad. Because, fortunately, she didn’t remember her nightmare last night. In fact, she never did. Ever since Lay saved Anna from her abusive boyfriend, she had been having nightmares every night for months after. And it hadn’t been long that her nightmares reduced to once a week. He didn’t understand why she never remembered. He even asked the doctor and psychiatrist many times but he didn’t get an explanation.

But Lay didn’t mind. He was just glad that she was safe and sound in his arms every night.

“Any plans for today?” Lay asked as he cut the pancake. Anna shook her head. “I’m just staying home. I have many chores to do anyway. And a lot of phone calls to make.” Lay set his knife and fork down. He talked to her in a scolding voice. “Anna, you have to go out of the house sooner or later. You can’t just sit around at home all day doing nothing.” She opened to protest but he cut her off.

“You’ve been “doing chores” and “making phone calls” for the past two weeks. That excuse isn’t working on me anymore.” Anna lowered her head with a shameful look on her face. Lay sighed. “I didn’t mean to make you feel bad. I just want you to be able to live again. We’re going to go out tomorrow so be ready.” Anna once again opened to protest but saw the serious look on his face and surrendered.

Anna was visibly trembling in the car as she saw all the people walking around her. Lay held her hand firm in his own and gently squeezed it. “It’s going to be okay. I’ll be right next to you.” He parked the car next to the Han river.

“We’re going to take things slow so just hold my hand.” Anna nodded and took a deep breath. You can do this, Anna. No more hiding.

For the past five months, Anna never made contact with anyone else except for her trustworthy boyfriend. She never stepped foot outside of her apartment until now. Lay led her to a minimal occupied area on the grass. He noticed her head hanging low and gently lifted her face up by her chin. He looked straight into her beautiful eyes.

“Come on Anna. Do this. For you, and for me.”

Anna looked back at his eyes and smiled. He gently pecked her left cheek. “Good girl.” Anna hesitated but lifted her head and looked around. Everyone was smiling and happy and enjoying the sunday afternoon breeze.

They continued to walk around and sat down on the grass. “See? It wasn’t so bad. You’re stronger than you think.” Anna beamed and nodded. “I guess I was just scared that I wouldn’t be able to face anybody after what happened.”

"Watch out!” Anna turned her head to see what they were yelling about. Right when she turned, she saw a frisbee heading right toward her face. “Ahh!” Just in time, Lay swiftly pushed her out of the way and they both fell to the floor.

Three male college students ran up to them. “Oh my, we’re so sorry.” One of the students knelt down to their height. “Yeah, I guess I have to practice my aim.” Another rubbed the back of his neck. The other apologized as well.

The first one held his hand out to Anna. “Um, miss?” She looked up at the male and realized how close he was to her. Before she could stop him, he placed his hand on her shoulder. “Are you okay?” Anna froze as the unwanted memories rushed into her head.

A pair of rough hands grabbed her shoulders. The student asked again. “Are you okay?”

“I asked you a question, . Are you ignoring me right now?” She held the sides of her head and shivered. Lay’s eyes widened when he saw her trembling body. “No, please. I won’t ever do it again.” Tears began to form in her eyes as she pleaded.

Lay totally forgot about the boys and pulled her into a tight embrace and softly kissed her hair. The boys freaked out and quickly left after apologizing again. He whispered that everything was going to be fine and to be strong.

I shouldn’t have brought her out here today. What was I thinking? Lay and Anna sat there on the ground, him holding her in his arms, until she was able to breathe normally again. During the drive back home, Anna fell asleep to the soft music playing on the radio. Lay parked the car in the driveway and carried her to the bed.

He caressed her cheek and frowned. I’m sorry, baobei. I couldn’t protect you today. He kissed her left cheek and her hair. “But I promise, after today, I won’t let anything happen to you ever again. You’ll be okay soon. I’ll be right beside you the whole time so please, just trust me and we can get over your trauma. Together.”

Lay smiled and pulled her close. “I love you Anna. Forever and always.”