I tried to remove his hand, but his grip was too strong. Fear wrapped around my chest as I struggled. My voice came out weak and shaky as I screamed, not knowing if anyone would hear me in the dark night.
"Help!"
My voice echoed under the bridge, but the night remained silent. Man 2 suddenly burst out laughing.
"No one will come to your aid", he muttered coldly as he began pulling down his trousers.
My heart nearly stopped, I squeezed my eyes shut, praying desperately.
Please, someone help me....
Just then a loud voice cut through the darkness.
"What is happening there?"
A bright flashlight flashed toward us. The two men froze. "Run!" one of them shouted. Immediately, they released me and ran into the darkness like frightened animals.
I collapsed to the ground, shaking uncontrollably. Footsteps approached, but this time they were slower.....calmer.
"Don't be afraid, kid. I'm here now", a gentle voice said.
I slowly opened my eyes and saw an elderly man holding a lantern. His face looked concerned as he examined me.
"You're safe now", he added softly.
My legs were too weak to stand, and my body still trembled from fear. I was expecting "Where are your parent next" so I could gladly pour out my whole Badluck story on him, but to my surprise he didn't ask, cause he felt I was too weak to talk which was true. Without saying anything more, the man carefully lifted me onto his back.
"Let's get you somewhere warm", he said. The night air was cold as he carried me through the quiet street .
Later I learned his name was "Mr Akpojotor", a night watchman who guard the nearby market. He took me to his mall house at the edge of the street. Inside, I met his wife and their four children.
For the first time that night, I thought maybe fate had finally shown me kindness.
For the first time since leaving my aunt's house...
I thought I had found a place where I was welcome.
Yes
You heard me right .
I thought.