The ‘Good’ Adam| Part 3

As I stood with a roar between Luzia and the mob, it froze in horror. Some stepped back anxiously, while others moved with desperate cries and wild gestures. The torches flickered frantically, their flickering shadows casting grotesque patterns on the surrounding houses.

“A monster!” screamed a voice from the crowd, followed by a chorus of anxious murmurs. “It’s the creature that hovers over our village!”

The villagers pressed closer together, their faces pale with fear. Some began to make crosses hastily and murmur prayers, while others fled hastily, their torches flickering in the wind.

The fear was palpable in the air, and I felt the villagers’ gazes, which regarded me like a wild animal. But despite the growing panic, I remained steadfast at Luzia’s side, my body an impenetrable barrier between her and the raging mob.

Luzia squeezed my hand tightly and whispered courage to me, her eyes filled with determination and trust. In that moment, I knew that I would do anything to protect her, no matter the cost.

As the mob approached with raised torches, I felt the danger emanating from them. Luzia squeezed my hand tightly as we pushed through the crowd, which engulfed us like a raging sea. With each step forward, my determination grew.

Suddenly, a commotion broke out behind us, and I turned around to see Luzia being pushed back by an aggressive man. Without hesitation, I threw myself between them, my bare hands raised to defend her. “Leave her alone!” I shouted, my voice echoing like thunder in the night.

I moved to push him away from her, but Luzia held onto my hand, her voice a calming presence amidst the chaos. She spoke of forgiveness and understanding, urging me to show mercy to those who wished us harm. And although it pained me to see the fear in her grey eyes, I knew she was right.

Luzia grabbed my arm and pulled me away from the furious mob. “Come on, Adam,” she whispered urgently. “We need to get out of here.”

With one last contemptuous glance at the crowd, I followed Luzia’s lead as we hurried through the dark forests, hiding us from the looming shadows of hatred. That night, I not only left the village and the forest, but also the loneliness of my past, and I knew that I owed it to Luzia that I had finally found a glimmer of hope.

In the silence of the night, after we were safe, Luzia and I found ourselves in a secluded place. The stars sparkled above us, and the gentle wind carried the whisper of the leaves. Luzia turned to me, her bright eyes shining in the darkness.