As he pulled into the park, he saw his headlights bounce off her frail body curled up on a swing in the middle of the playground. her head was slumped low and her whole body looked like it could crumble. Her tiny hands were clenched white on the chain link handles.

“Zee, are you okay?â€? he asked as he slowly approached her.

Her head lifted and a tear dripped down her blackened cheek, but a smile lit up her face. “You found me!â€? she beamed. Then a sad shadow clouded her eyes and she added, “I’m sorry for ruining your date. Guess I sort of killed the action.â€?

“No, don’t even worry about it,â€? Aiden flinched thinking of what she figured could have happened. he didn’t even want to think about it.

He was now planted on the swing next to her, hovering close, but afraid to touch her and cause her any more pain. He knew he needed to get her to the hospital. Guilt pang his chest as he thought of what she went through when he went out to try to forget her.