Chapter 26

The situation took a sudden turn when he found Matilda in front of his unit, carrying bags and crying. She looked at him, then ran towards him and hugged him.

"Help me... Art hurt me..." she said, tears staining her cheeks, a bruise visible on the side of her eye.

"Are you okay?" he hugged her back.

"I'm afraid Art might kill me..." she sobbed, "I'm scared, Demi... please help me..."

"Shhhh... I'll help you, don't worry," he gently moved Matilda away from him, "come inside, let's talk about it."

He opened his unit and carried her bags inside. She continued sobbing as they walked.

"Sit down first," he said to her, "I'll get you something to drink."

He went to the kitchen and fetched some juice. "Here, have a drink first."

Listening to Matilda's heartbreaking story, he couldn't help but feel a mix of anger and sadness. It pained him to hear about the abuse she suffered at the hands of Art.

"Why did you come here? Why didn't you go home?" he asked, puzzled.

"He might follow me there. And