He embraced us both, his arms wrapping around me and Mikey protectively. “Oh, Natalie, I’m so sorry,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “I never wanted to leave you like that.”

We pulled apart, and he held me at arm’s length, scrutinizing me with those familiar, reassuring eyes. “You’re safe now,” he said, though the tremor in his voice hinted at the enormity of what we’d narrowly escaped.

Together, we retreated to a nearby café, where he promised to explain everything. But for now, it was enough to be together, to know that I wasn’t alone in this terrifying new reality.