The next morning, the rain had stopped, but the sky was still gray.
Maya walked slowly to the nearby market with an empty basket in her hands. Her stepfather had ordered her to buy vegetables. She kept her head down as she walked, avoiding everyone's eyes.
In the market, people talked, laughed, and bargained loudly. But Maya stayed silent, moving like a shadow among them.
Suddenly, someone noticed her.
A young man standing near a fruit stall watched her carefully. His name was Arjun. He had recently moved to Ashwood to work as a school teacher.
He noticed the bruises on Maya's wrist.
He noticed the fear in her eyes.
Something felt wrong.
As Maya turned to leave, Arjun spoke gently.
"Excuse me… are you okay?"
Maya froze. No one had asked her that question in years.
For a moment, she didn't know what to say.
Her lips trembled slightly.
Then she whispered only one word—
"Help…"