I sighed, shrugging against the burning chill of the wind. I crossed my arms over my chest and pressed on down the deserted street. These streets were always barren at midnight, like most streets in this tiny town, but i still felt like I had to walk quickly. Head down, eyes fixated on the ground, I turned the corner. I heard a faint sound behind me and whirled on my heals. A black cat streaked across the empty street and I sighed in relief. 

Taking a few moments to calm my jittery nerves, I turned once more, but this time, the sight was different. A few feet in front of me, a dark figure had formed under the dim street lamps. I took a step back on instinct but the figure moved closer. I felt my back hit fire escape and I gripped the bar as if it would help me fend of the man progressing towards me. 

The man was close enough to make out his appearance in the pale light. He was a whole foot or so taller than me, which wasn't hard to accomplish because I'm so short, and he had a dark face with deep features. He was now only a few feet away from me. I looked around for a weapon or an escape but I'd backed myself into and empty alley way.

"Hello there kitty," croked the man, his hands twitching at his sides as he came closer. 

"Stay back," I snapped, fighting to keep my voice steady. 

"No need to raise your voice," sneered the man. 

"I- I'm warning you," I growled. Oh no, I thought, I let my voice crack. The man drew closer and leaned against the wall behind me, putting his hand over my shoulder to support his weight. I tried to escape out the other said but he quickly threw his other arm out to block me. I was pinned.

"Hey!" Shouted a voice from down the street. The man pinned me stayed where he was and snarled.

"Get out of here boy," The man snapped.

"Not until you get your hands off my girlfriend," The boy demanded, fearlessly staring down the man. There was a knife glinting at the boy's side.

"Sorry, buddy," The man croked nervously. "No hard feelings." He took off down the ally and disappeared into the night.

"Are you alright?" The boy asked me, checking me up and down, "Did he hurt you?"

"No, no, I'm fine," I gulped, "But who are you? Why did you pretend to be my boyfriend?"

"P-pretend?" He stammered. "What are you talking about, Lily?"

"Hey, how do you know my name?" I gasped, taking a step back.

"Lily, you don't remember me? I'm your boyfriend! It's me, Ford!" He cried, grasping my hand.

"You're crazy!" I shrieked and shook him off me. "I don't know you!"

"Lily, please," Ford pleaded. "Please remember me!"