052: rescue

So still was the night that her faint sobbing carried far into the distance, reaching the ear of a strolling passerby. Curious, the bystander followed the sound to a lonely park bench, whereupon he saw the weeping girl, in a long black gown that matched her long, flowing black hair. Clutched in her quivering hands, a small locket glinted in the streetlight, dangling precariously over the concrete below.

He had seen that locket before.

"Hey," he began softly as he approached.

Startled at first, she softened upon recognizing him. Without a moment's hesitation, she threw her arms around him, relieved...