NO ONE
All of them were gone. Every single one. Stones lay on the ground all around, dropped in frustration, forming a circle around the quietly sobbing girl. She was huddled on the ground, covering herself as best she could, both hands hiding her eyes. She was naked, but felt the most shame in showing her face.
One man remained, the one who had sent the others away. The Nice Man. He straightened up and looked around, making a show of his search for the accusers. He met her eyes as she cautioned a glance toward him. He made a shrug with his face.
"Ma'am?" he said with feigned astonishment, the corners of his mouth betraying his dramatic tone. "Where are they? Has no one condemned you?"
She dared to look him in the eye, and in spite of herself, a little giggle broke through her tears. "No one, sir."
He removed his cloak and covered her.
She scrunched up her smile. She lifted her head and said it again. "No one."
"Neither do I," he said. He smiled again, and broke her chains. "Go, and don't do this any more."
“Thank-you.” She wiped her face, all wet with tears and running nose and beauty. "Thank-you."
They stood together for a moment, and there, for the first time, she was embraced by a man.
