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“Don't let him fight back!” My voice is coming now. I'm looking down at us. Like I'm in a helicopter.

The man punched Kyle in the stomach. Kyle dropped to the ground with a grunt of pain. Marilyn stared at the man in disbelief. Then she looked up. There was a small crowd of people standing on the pavement opposite, watching what was going on. She saw a flash of light, and then another. People were taking photos.

Marilyn had to do something. She had to do it now.

She took a deep breath.

“Stop him!” she yelled.

But it wasn't a yell, more like a whisper.

Nobody moved.

Marilyn took a deeper breath. It made her feel calmer somehow.

“Stop him, help us!”

This time her voice was stronger.

Then one figure separated himself from the group. It was Saleem.

He would come and help.

Surely he would.

But Saleem turned away.

He walked off towards the clock tower.

Marilyn couldn't believe it. How could anyone let this happen? How could they stand there and watch? Some of them were even laughing.

Kyle groaned and tried to get up.

The flash lights kept on popping.

“Stop him, you stupid bitch!”

Now I'm standing behind myself. Rooted to the ground.

Marilyn heard a voice, somewhere in the back of her mind. She couldn't quite catch the words. She tried to focus, willed herself to listen.

“He's going to kill Kyle. You have to stop him!”

This time Marilyn heard it. Was it her, trying to will herself into action?

It was Holly's voice. Incredible. No time to think.

She steadied herself. She had to do something. But what could she do, Marilyn, the scared one, the shy one, the one who couldn't even speak up for herself?

The man was getting ready to kick out at Kyle again.

She stepped forward.

“Stop! What are you doing? What has he done to you?”

She heard her own voice, loud and shrill.

The man landed a kick in Kyle's stomach.

He moaned and curled into a ball. Then he coughed. A strange, painful cough.

“Get his attention!”

Marilyn desperately wanted to run, but she took another step towards the man. It was down to her now. No-one over the road was going to help. The man lent towards her, leering. She looked him straight in the eyes. His skin looked purplish. His eyes were puffy. She could see the lines on his forehead. The man grinned and swayed towards her.

“That's it! Give Kyle a chance to get his breath.”

“STOP!”

Marilyn stepped out in front of Kyle and pushed at the man's shoulder. She had never pushed anyone before in her life. He didn't move. His jacket was tight round his body. She could smell the alcohol on his breath. She forced herself to stop shaking.

Now just get out of there!”

Marilyn pushed again, harder this time.

The man raised his fist, muttered something Marilyn couldn't hear.

She shut her eyes, waited for him to hit her. But the punch never came. She heard a siren, getting closer. She opened her eyes.

The man was turning away.