I swear my heart stopped for a second. On my worst days I’d think back, wishing it actually had.

“You alright sweetheart?” the man said in a deep voice, his mouth twisted in a disguised leer. His hands held my arms, as if to steady me, but I was fine, he didn’t let go. My hand slipped into my pocket, searching for my phone.

“You really should be more careful,” he said his eyes sparkling as, as he held me, he looked me over, taking in my slender form, mediumish breasts hidden under my coat, my long legs, my uncovered auburn hair, caught in passing breezes. He grinned, not letting go.

I located my phone, slid it open, pressed the call button twice. It would ring my Mum, I’d texted her after getting off the train. I looked up into his eyes, my green ones meeting his black. Through clenched teeth I said “Let, go, of my arms” I prayed so hard inside my head for this nightmare to end, for my Mum to hear what was going on and call the police.

He leered at me, reached into my pocket and slid my phone shut.