Frightened.

As Melissa left the hospital, her mind was still filled with thoughts of Avalor and their unfortunate situation. She couldn't help but feel a deep sense of empathy and concern for them. However, as she made her way through the dimly lit streets, a sense of unease washed over her.

Melissa couldn't shake off the feeling that someone might be following her. The thought of it being Lucas,made her heart race with fear. She quickened her pace, hoping to reach her car and escape any potential danger.

Every sound and shadow seemed amplified as Melissa's imagination ran wild. Her mind raced with scenarios of what might happen if Lucas had indeed found her. She knew she had to stay vigilant and find a way to ensure her safety.

Determined to shake off her pursuer, Melissa took a few turns, trying to lose them in the maze of streets. However, the feeling of being followed persisted, and her fear intensified. She needed to find a safe place to seek refuge and potentially call for help.

Spotting a brightly lit coffee shop up ahead, Melissa made a split-second decision and rushed inside. She looked around, hoping to blend in with the crowd and lose whoever might have been following her.

. Melissa quickly found a table near the back of the coffee shop, where she could keep an eye on the entrance while remaining inconspicuous. Her heart pounded in her chest as she scanned the room, searching for any signs of the person who had been following her.

As she sat there, trying to calm her racing thoughts, Melissa noticed a friendly barista making their way towards her. The barista, sensing her unease, approached with a warm smile.

"Hey there! Is everything okay?" the barista asked, concern evident in their voice.

Melissa hesitated for a moment, unsure if she should reveal her fears to a stranger. But the friendly demeanor of the barista made her feel a sense of comfort and trust.

"I think someone might be following me," Melissa whispered, her voice filled with anxiety. "I'm not sure if it's him, but I've been feeling really scared."

The barista's smile didn't falter as they listened attentively. "I'm sorry to hear that. Your safety is important. Is there anything I can do to help?"

Melissa took a deep breath, grateful for the barista's understanding. "Do you have a back exit or a safe place where I can wait until I'm sure the coast is clear?"

The barista nodded. "I understand. We do have a back exit that leads to a small alleyway. It's not commonly used, but it's a safe option if you need it. Just let me know when you're ready, and I'll discreetly guide you out."

Melissa felt a wave of relief wash over her. She knew she couldn't stay in the coffee shop forever, but having a plan in place made her feel more secure. "Thank you so much. I'll let you know if I need to use the back exit."

The barista smiled reassuringly. "Of course, take all the time you need. Your safety is our priority."

As Melissa continued to observe the coffee shop, she noticed a familiar face entering through the front door. 

Melissa's heart skipped a beat as she saw the familiar face entering the coffee shop. It was her neighbor, Sarah. Doubts and suspicions flooded her mind as she tried to assess whether she could trust Sarah or if she might be involved in the suspicious activity that had put Melissa in danger.

Sarah approached Melissa's table, concern etched on her face. "Melissa, are you alright? I saw you come in here looking frightened. Is something wrong?"

Melissa hesitated for a moment, unsure of how much to reveal to Sarah. But seeing the genuine worry in her neighbor's eyes, she decided to take a leap of faith and confide in her.

"I've been feeling like someone might be following me," Melissa whispered, her voice filled with anxiety. "I'm not sure who it is or why, but I've been scared."

Sarah's expression softened, and she reached out to grasp Melissa's hand. "Oh my goodness, Melissa, I had no idea. That sounds terrifying. Is there anything I can do to help?"

Melissa took a deep breath, grateful for Sarah's support. "Actually, the barista here told me about a back exit that leads to a small alleyway. I was planning to use it to escape if I felt like it was necessary. Would you mind keeping an eye out and letting me know if you see anything suspicious?"