Love Lies and Reckoning

The night was cold, dark and quiet, with the rain still falling heavily. Wendy stood alone by the roadside, her figure shrouded in the shadows. The cold rain seeped into her bones, but she didn't flinch. 

      As she gazed out into the darkness, a faint light appeared in the distance. With a sudden surge of determination, Wendy moved toward the light, her eyes fixed on the source of the light.

Her thoughts were consumed by a singular desire  to escape the anguish that had driven her to this point. The pain and the scene she had witnessed at home still lingered, haunting her every step. 

Making a decision, Wendy rushed into the middle of the road, her eyes closed, waiting for the inevitable. She began to count, her voice barely above a whisper.

"1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6..."

            Screech!

       Suddenly, the sound of screeching tires pierced the air. A car had come to an abrupt halt just inches from Wendy's motionless form.

A cold, detached voice cut through the silence.

"What are you doing, standing in the middle of the road? If you want to end your life, go somewhere else. Don't involve innocent people."

Wendy's eyes fluttered open, her gaze locking onto the stranger.

"Am I...am I dead?" she asked, a hint of disappointment in her voice.

The stranger's expression was a mixture of annoyance and confusion.

      Steve, the young, tall man couldn't believe his eyes. This woman was willingly trying to get herself killed. He stepped out of the car, his anger evident in his tone.

"Are you trying to die? Did someone send you to do this to implicate me?"

Wendy's eyes dropped, her voice barely audible.

"Please...just hit me. Nobody sent me, no one is here, no one will know. I don't want to live anymore."

Steve's expression was unreadable.

"Get out of the middle of the road. You're not going to die tonight. I refuse to take responsibility for your death!"

        Wendy's gaze lingered, disappointment etched on her face. Why wouldn't he just end  her life? Why wouldn't he just hit her so that she can be happy and leave this wicked world? At least there were no witnesses to hold him accountable.

"How about strangling me, then?" Wendy's sudden question caught Steve off guard, and he shot her an irritated glance.

"Stop whatever game you're playing," he said firmly. "I don't have time for this. I'll pay you double of whatever they're paying you – just stop."

Wendy's eyes flickered to Steve's chiseled features, and tall appearance and for a moment, she felt a pang of regret. If only she weren't about to die, she'd muster the courage to flirt with him and get his number.