I have seen Clara

CHAPTER 10

Emily approaches the girl, her expression filled with concern. "Are you alright?" Emily asks, her voice gentle. "Did they hurt you?" She looks the girl over, checking for any visible injuries. "You don't have to be afraid anymore. They're gone now."

The girl, who looks like a young teenage, is visibly shaken, her eyes wide with fear. She takes a shaky breath and nods slowly. "I…I'm okay," she stammers, her voice trembling. "Thank you…thank you so much for helping me."

I'm Emily," Emily says, offering the woman a warm smile. "What's your name?" She waits patiently, giving the woman space to respond.

The woman hesitates for a moment, then offers a tentative smile. "Clara," she says softly. "My name is Clara sterling."

Emily's heart leaps in her chest. Clara. This is it. This is the girl she's been searching for.

It's nice to meet you, Clara," Emily says, her voice warm and genuine. "I'm glad I could help. Those guys were real creeps." She pauses, trying to gauge Clara's mood. "Are you waiting for the bus? Is there somewhere I can take you? I'm heading into town, I could drop you off." She offers a friendly smile, hoping to put Clara at ease and earn her.Actually, Clara, I was wondering if I could talk to you about something…something important.

Emily wants to learn more without frightening Clara. "So, where are you staying exactly?" Emily asks, trying to sound casual. "And who are you staying with? Is it a close friend?" She watches Clara closely, trying to gauge her reaction and assess whether she's being truthful. She wants to get a clearer picture of Clara's living situation, to understand the environment she's in and the people she's surrounded by.

Clara hesitates again, then sighs, seeming to decide that she can trust Emily. "Okay, look," Clara says, "I'm staying at a place a few blocks from here, on Elm Street. It's a small apartment, kind of run-down. I'm crashing on my friend Sarah's couch. I met her on social media and we became Best friends ." She pauses, her expression clouding over. "It's not ideal, but it's all I've got right now."

Emily presses on, trying to find out where Clara is staying. "I'm heading that way," Emily says, trying to sound nonchalant. "Why don't I give you a ride? Save you the walk. Just tell me where to go." She offers a friendly smile, hoping to put Clara at ease and encourage her to accept the offer.

"Okay no problem"thanks for your kind gestures towards me,said Clara as she walked with Emily to the car.