You saw me before I saw you.

A girl: Gemma, at the airport,
on her way to a family vacation.

You had that look in your eyes.

A guy: Ty, rugged, tan, too old,
oddly familiar, eyes blue as ice.

Like you wanted me.

She steps away. For just a second.
He pays for her drink. And drugs it.

Wanted me for a long time.

He takes her, before she
even knows what's happening.
To sand and heat.
To emptiness and isolation.
To nowhere.
And expects her to love him.

Lucy Christopher

Lucy Christopher was born in Wales but grew up in Australia. She now lives in Cardiff. She wrote Stolen as part of her doctoral program.