**Into the Night**

Into the Night, the darkness seemed to have a life of its own, pulsing with an energy that was both exhilarating and terrifying. Angela blinked rapidly, trying to clear the haze from her mind. She was walking, her feet moving in tandem with Michael's, but her brain felt foggy, as if she was stuck in a dream from which she couldn't awaken. As they walked, the silence between them grew thicker, like a physical presence that Angela could feel pressing in on her from all sides. She tried to speak, to break the silence, but her voice caught in her throat. Michael didn't seem to notice, his eyes fixed on some point ahead, his jaw set in a determined line. The streets were empty, the only sound the soft crunch of gravel beneath their feet. Angela's mind began to clear, memories flooding back in a rush. Her father, Michael, the feel of her father's hands on her... She shuddered, a cold sweat breaking out on her skin. Michael's grip on her hand tightened, his fingers intertwining with hers in a gentle but firm grasp. "Hey," he said, his voice low and soft. "You okay?" Angela nodded, her throat still constricted. She didn't know if she was okay, but she knew she had to keep moving. The darkness seemed to be closing in around her, and she needed Michael's presence to keep it at bay. As they turned a corner, Angela caught sight of a small diner, its neon sign flickering like a beacon in the night. "Let's go," Michael said, as if reading her thoughts. "We can get some coffee, figure out what to do next." Angela nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude towards Michael. She was grateful for his presence, for his support, for the way he seemed to understand her without needing to ask. Inside the diner, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, a stark contrast to the chill of the night outside. Angela slid into a booth, her eyes scanning the diner as Michael went to order them some coffee. There were a few other patrons, a truck driver and a couple of young people, but they seemed oblivious to Angela and Michael's presence. As they waited for their coffee, Angela felt a sense of unease creeping back in. She glanced at Michael, her eyes searching for reassurance. He met her gaze, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. "Hey," he said, his voice low. "I've got your back, okay? We'll get through this together." Angela nodded, feeling a tiny spark of hope ignite within her. Maybe, just maybe, she wasn't alone after all.