As Maryanne pulls away from the woman, the stranger’s nails drag across her flesh, slicing deep. She releases a whimper, almost tipping over a chair. She bites any retort she might have back as the woman continues to advance.
The terror pulsating through Maryanne’s body has her vision wavering. She remembers that Riley is in her grasp and she tries to build the confidence to protect her.
“What do you want,” Maryanne shouts, glancing around in hopes that someone will intervene. Some of the other families are watching in horror, while a waiter runs across the floor into the back of the restaurant.
She tightens her grip and shifts so that Riley is not close to the woman. She looks around, searching for a way out. Her arm throbs in tune with her racing heart. She can feel the warm blood dripping down her skin, but ignores it as her attention is tuned in on the crazed stranger in front of her.