The stranger stops walking and looks at me curiously. Then, very calmly he lifts his hand and places it gently beneath my chin. I stand quite still as his fingers trace gently over my cheek and run along my nose.

There's a soft pressure as his fingertips brush gently against my lower lip. And then he leans forward and brushes his lips softly against mine. Immediately I stiffen. The last kiss I received from my parents was one of passion. This kiss however, is cold, impersonal, and lacks any emotions whatsoever.

"Let's go," he murmurs as his hand releases my chin. I nod in response and walk alongside him silently....