"Who could that be, knocking on my door at this hour?" Grandpa Ray's tired voice echoed through the small farm.

"It's me, Lily," a sweet voice replied from the other side as if the name alone was enough to reassure the old man.

Grandpa Ray slowly opened the door, revealing a vision of beauty standing before him. Lily, a young girl with flowing blonde hair and warm brown eyes, was renowned throughout the village for her gentle spirit and her gift for healing. She just turned 18 this year and she treats Sid as her little brother.

"Where is Sid?" She asked with a worried expression.

"He's in that room, lying on his bed" Grandpa Ray answered as he pointed his finger toward Sid's bedroom.

It was a small bedroom with a wooden bed but it was enough to provide warm for the young wounded boy.

Her heart sank as she saw the bruises and cuts on Sid's face. She felt a deep sadness within her, realizing she was unable to defend him against Zion's cruelty. Her thoughts drifted to the reason behind the abuse - she knew that Zion had been obsessed with her for some time, but she had rejected his advances. The guilt weighed heavily on her, knowing that her actions had put Sid in harm's way.

She gently applied the ointment on his wounds, her touch tender and comforting. "I'm sorry I wasn't here to help you earlier," she said softly.

"But I'm here now, and I'll take care of you."

Sid nodded weakly, his eyes closing as he leaned his head back. He felt a mix of emotions - pain, gratitude, and something else that he couldn't quite put his finger on. It was a strange feeling, like a mix of fear and embarrassment.

Grandpa Ray observed as Lily tended to Sid's wounds. He could sense the boy's shame and embarrassment, knowing all too well the feeling of not being able to defend oneself. As a man who had spent a lifetime working the land, he understood the importance of strength and resilience. But he also knew that sometimes, the bravest thing one could do was to ask for help.

After finishing the bandaging, Lily stood up and stretched, her eyes scanning Sid who was peacefully sleeping.

Grandpa Ray watched her for a moment before speaking up.

"Mind if I walk you back, Lily?" he asked, his weathered face calm and steady.

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Lily hesitated, she knew that Granpa Ray was also tired.

"Thanks Grandpa Ray, but I think I'll be okay," she said, starting to gather her things.

Grandpa Ray nodded, but his expression remained serious. "I know it's not my place to tell you what to do, but I worry about you walking alone. These hills can be dangerous, especially after dark."

Lily looked up at him, her eyes softening. "I appreciate your concern, Grandpa Ray. But I've walked back from here plenty of times before. I'll be careful, I promise."

The old man's gaze lingered on her for a moment before he sighed. "I understand that, Lily. But sometimes, the things we think we're used to can still surprise us. "

Lily looked at him, her expression shifting to a mix of gratitude and uncertainty. She opened her mouth to say something but hesitated again.

Finally, she let out a soft sigh. "Okay, Grandpa Ray. You win. Let's walk back together."

Grandpa Ray smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

As they began their walk back to the village, Lily and Grandpa Ray fell into a comfortable silence, their footsteps crunching on the dirt path beneath their feet. The meadow was quiet and peaceful, and the only sounds were the distant chirping of crickets and the soft rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze.

As they neared the main road, Grandpa Ray's expression grew more serious. "We need to be careful from here on out, Lily. This road can be dangerous at this time of day."

She nodded, feeling a shiver run down her spine. She knew that Grandpa Ray was right and that it wasn't wise to take any chances. Together, they quickened their pace, their eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of danger.

As they walked, Lily couldn't help but feel grateful for Grandpa Ray's company. His steady presence and reassuring words were a balm to her nerves, and she knew that she wouldn't have felt safe walking alone.

But as they walked back toward the village, Lily and Grandpa Ray were suddenly ambushed by Zion and his gang. Lily's heart raced as she recognized Zion, a boy who had been harassing her for months.

"What are you doing here, Zion?" she shouted. "I've had enough of your games. Leave me alone!"

"I'm not here for games, Lily. I'm here to take what's mine. If I can't have you, then no one can." Zion sneered, his eyes glinting with malice.

"Stop doing this young master" Grandpa Ray tried to intervene, pleading with Zion to stop his violent and reckless behavior. But the gang leader was in no mood for reason. He motioned to his followers, commanding them to attack.

"Beat the crap out of that old man," he barked.

"And leave her to me."

Lily stood frozen with fear, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew what would happen to her body. She would be used as a toy by this madman, and Grandpa Ray would also be in danger.

"Run, Lily! I will hold these hooligans," Grandpa Ray shouted.

At first, Lily hesitated, her eyes flickering back and forth between Grandpa Ray and Zion's gang. But then she realized that she would just be a liability in a fight. With a heavy heart, she turned and ran as fast as she could toward the village, her breath coming in short gasps.

As she ran, her mind raced with fear and desperation. She needed to find help, and fast. She knew that Zion and his gang were dangerous and that Grandpa Ray was no match for them on his own. She had to find someone to help them, someone who could protect them from harm.

"Please help us. Someone help us "