Page 6 of Jenna's Protector

Doris is a wonderful woman. She’s welcoming to strangers and someone I’m glad to call a friend. She’s the mother and great-aunt I never had, all rolled into one bundle of joy and delight.

I love her approach to coffee and life. She enjoys simple pleasures with a hint of something special.

But not too fancy.

“You spoil us too much,” Doris chides gently. Her eyes crinkle at the corners, indicating a life well-lived and full of smiles.

“It’s no trouble.” I feign nonchalance while my hands move on autopilot, crafting their orders with the precision born out of countless repetitions.

And then, out of nowhere, a memory crashes over me like icy waves against jagged rocks—cold, dark, and suffocating.

I strike, the letter opener sinking into flesh, warm blood spilling over my fingers. His eyes widen in shock, then go lifeless.

The steam wand hisses, and I froth the milk for Mav’s cappuccino; the sound drowns out a past I want to forget, but those memories always lurk, invading my thoughts at every turn. There’s not one day when they don’t intrude on my life.

As hard as I try to drown them out, they find chinks in my armor where they slip in, resurface, and steal my breath.

While I work, Frank steers Doris toward their special spot near the door. Mav is already there, tucked into the special nook, nose buried back in her book.

It’s a cozy little booth with a great view of Main Street.

Not too pretentious. Not too plain.

It’s just right.

As I lose myself in the routine of my job, the memories subside, replaced by the gratitude that fills my heart. The simple act of serving brings normalcy to my world.

Surrounded by the delicate aromas of coffee beans and pastries baking in the back, I carve out a new life for myself one day at a time—a life far removed from the one that nearly devoured me whole.

The air is thick with the stench of sweat and fear…

I push the intrusive thought away and repeat the mantra I created for moments like this:I won’t let the memories win. I will breathe and enjoy the freedom I fought so hard to have. I will focus on the present—forget the past—and embrace the life I’ve built.

A flicker of determination ignites in my eyes as I bus orders for Mav and Doris to their table.

“Thanks, Jenna.” Mav cups her drink and takes a sip. The froth sticks to her lips, and she darts out her tongue to lick them clean. “You always know how to start our day right.” Her voice is a modern marvel, a melodious tune that brightens the darkest corners of my soul.

“I can’t let my favorite people down.” I note Frank’s half-downed cup and nod. “I’ll bring you a refill.”

“Thanks, Jenna.” Frank gulps his coffee and sets the empty mug on the table. “Best damn coffee in town.”

“Thank you.” I turn to leave, but Doris’s next words catch in my throat.

“Did you hear?” Doris’s voice pierces the relative quiet, heavy with concern. “Another girl’s gone missing. Vanished into thin air.”

My hands grow still as their conversation flows around me. Its chilly tendrils sink into my skin and hitch in my breath.

“Terrible.” Frank sips his coffee, his brow furrowing. “This town used to be safe.” He shakes his head and stares into his mug.

“Seventeen, they said. Can you imagine?” Mav glances up from the page she’s reading.

Yes.

Yes, I can.

A shudder wracks my body, and I turn away under the pretense of grabbing a cloth from the pocket of my apron.

He lunges at me, ripping the lingerie off in one swift motion. I'm exposed, vulnerable, and terrified. He pushes me down onto the bed, his hands rough and demanding…

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