บท 96: Passion of youth

It had been around a decade since Ira saw Steve.

On this particular night, it was snowing heavily. The air was dry, and the cold wind was hurting Ira like a sharp knife piercing bones as she was walking in a small alley. The street was deserted, no passerby or vehicles traveled the way.

The night was cold. She hugged her shoulders wrapping herself tightly in her jacket.

When she found herself lost, she walked with fastened steps vigilantly. The alley was dark with only two of all functioning streetlights. There was a rotten smell in the surrounding. It came from garbage spilled on the ground. 'Why did I take this shortcut?' she thought.

Just as Ira was walking a sharp voice rang from behind her: "Hey."

Having heard that this place is unsafe at night, she trembled. She felt endless fear, her knees got numb when she heard the strangers voice.

Ira felt a strong sense of panic but didn't dare to look back.