She leaned against the wall outside the club, tears pouring out of her eyes. Her cheeks were turning red and raw in the cold of this winter night.

She had just run out after seeing her boyfriend touching foreheads with a pretty, white, blond girl. He was smiling wide. The image haunted her. It was a smile that she thought was only reserved for her.

A few minutes later, she saw him walk out, dazed, looking for her. She saw a hickey on his neck. She felt nauseous. She ran down the block before he could see her and turned the corner, sinking to the ground, hyperventilating.

A man turned the corner, wearing a nice, pressed white button down and jeans. She grabbed the pepper spray hanging off her keys.

“Hey, are you okay?” He said warmly, kneeling down in front of her.

“Yes, I’m fine.” She said shortly, turning her head away from him.

“You don’t look fine.” He said sympathetically. He pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket and offered it up to her.

“I’m good, thank you.” She said quickly. He sighed and sat down next to her. She wished he would go. She wanted to have her pity party all to herself.

“Do you want to talk about it?” He said. No, she didn’t. She didn’t want to think about it at all.

“Thanks but I have…” she started, “…a boyfriend.” She said bitterly. He held his hands up in surrender.

“Me too,” he laughed, “I just wanted to see if I could help.”

“Oh,” she said, feeling slightly better. At least the man didn’t have ulterior motives. She loosened her grip on the pepper spray.

“It’s fine, I can handle it. You should go back to your boyfriend.” She didn’t need anyone’s help, and she wanted to be alone.

“I don’t want to leave you alone out here. Is your boyfriend around? Maybe I can go find him.”

“No he’s a little preoccupied.” She spat. He sensed her tone.

“Uh oh,” he sighed, “boyfriend did something, didn’t he?”

“I don’t want to talk about it.” She said desperately, her voice cracking as she held back angry tears.

“Okay sorry, sorry, don’t cry,” he said quickly, patting her shoulder. She sighed. He was being so nice.

“No it’s fine, I appreciate your help. But you’re right, I should get back.” She had no intention of going back to the club, but she still wanted to get rid of him and be alone. She started to get up, but he jumped up quickly and offered his hand. She took it and let him pull her up.

“Well, listen, you seem like an awesome person. You look hot, and your boyfriend is an idiot if he doesn’t see that.” He said reassuringly, squeezing her hand.

“Thank you.” She couldn’t help but crack a small smile. At least there were still good people in the world.

“Do you want a hug?” He said warmly. She nodded wordlessly, looking down. He hugged her, squeezing her tight. It was a comforting hug. She wrapped her arms around his torso too.

Then, she felt his hand on her butt. She quickly pushed him away.

“Hey!” she said, but he had taken off. She felt a sense of dread as she touched the back pocket of her jeans, empty. Her phone and wallet were gone.

She went to chase after him, running as fast as she could in her heels, but got stopped at the next light. Cars poured into the intersection, blocking her view. Two minutes later, they cleared up and the crosswalk light turned on. The thief was long gone. She screamed and pulled at her hair in frustration.

She stomped back towards the club, scowling, knowing that she’d need her boyfriend’s help to get home now. She’d learned a valuable lesson - don’t let flattery cloud your judgment.