7, Don't Leave Me

Audrey is a simple girl. She loves her music, her flowers, her little reading nook in the corner of the living room, her peace. She never asked to be the obsession of a psychopath, or to be protected by a secret organization.

She is scared – completely terrified, even now, when the people in dark suits claim that they got Daniels, that he no longer poses a threat to her. She is still afraid, afraid enough no to want to be alone.

Afraid enough to grab the sleeve of the kindest-looking agent as he is about to leave her apartment (the threat is neutralized, she's is safe, she doesn't have to worry, they'll leave now). She feels small and vulnerable and so much like a child, and maybe that's why she's not embarrassed when she looks up at him, with tears in her eyes, and says, "Please, don't leave."

The man just smiles, takes her hand, and sits down next to her on the couch.

"Alright, if you need me, I can stay for a while, Miss Nathan," she says.

"Audrey," she corrects him without thinking about it.

"Excuse me?"

"Please, call me Audrey." Her voice is still so thin she barely recognizes it, but maybe her strength is returning.

The agent smiles at her.

"Pleased to meet you, Audrey," he says, "My name is Phil."