Clara stumbled against the park bench as five teenage boys closed around her. They spread across the path, blocking every obvious escape. Their hoodies shadowed their faces, while their shoes and jeans were covered in mud. Clara tightened both hands around her cane and the umbrella she was holding, unsure what they intended to do.
The boys seemed desperate rather than angry, but that offered little comfort. One kept looking toward the woodland while another struggled to catch his breath. Clara searched beyond their shoulders for somebody who might help her. The afternoon trail, usually crowded with dog walkers and families, had become frighteningly empty, probably due to the drizzle.
“Please…,” Clara whispered. The tallest boy stepped closer, shaking his head urgently. Before he could explain, a sharp crack echoed from somewhere beyond the trees. Every teenager turned toward it. Clara remained trapped between them, certain that something terrible was about to happen…