The garden enveloped Lara like a silent embrace, protecting her from the world outside. Lying on the grass, she felt the freshness of the earth against her body, each blade brushing her skin with a gentle, almost maternal touch. The sky, vast and deep, was scattered with stars shining serenely, as if watching over her rest with curiosity. The air carried the sweet scent of flowers, the earthy aroma of moist soil, and the distant murmur of a breeze making the flowers sway.

  For a moment, Lara felt well and joyful, as if the weight of years of abuse dissolved in that instant of peace. Her heart, so often racing from fear, beat slowly now, attuned to the rhythm of the world around her. She closed her eyes, allowing calm to cradle her, as if the garden were a secret refuge made just for her.

  But the silence was suddenly broken by footsteps that were not hers. A shadow fell over her, dense and threatening, cutting off her air. Lara opened her eyes with a start, her body chilled by fear. Before her stood the silhouette of a person, tall and unmoving, cloaked in shadows. The face was hidden by darkness, but the presence was oppressive—almost suffocating.

  "What are you doing here?"

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  The voice was cold, sharp, devoid of any empathy. Lara sat up immediately, her body trembling, hands clutching the grass as if searching for support.

  "I... I'm sorry... I didn't know anyone lived here" she stammered, her voice weak, almost inaudible."

  The figure took a step forward, coming closer. Even shrouded in gloom, it emanated an authority that made Lara recoil, her heart pounding in her chest.

  "This place is not for strangers!", the voice stated, firm and emotionless, " Leave. Now!"

  Lara sprang up suddenly, legs shaking. Tears threatened to well up, but she swallowed them, nodding, unable to reply. She quickly grabbed the shoes she'd left near the gate, turned her back, and ran barefoot across the grass.

  She felt the cold ground beneath her feet, leaves brushing her legs, air scraping her face. Fear completely consumed her. Who was that man? Where had he come from? His voice still seemed to echo in her mind, icy and distant, as if he came from a world she didn't understand.

  When she reached the road, she put on her shoes with trembling hands and hurried through the silent village. Every shadow seemed alive, every sound made her heart race. Only when she returned to her room, climbing in through the half-open window, did her body finally give in. She carefully closed the window, leaned against the wall, and took a deep breath, trying to calm down.

  She lay on the bed, still shaken. But not even exhaustion could quiet the storm of thoughts. In the darkness, only one question haunted her incessantly: who was that man?