Evelyn's heart raced as she saw the guard move forward, his expression hard and unyielding. The tension in the air was palpable, and she could feel the collective breath of the crowd hitch in anticipation. "Stay calm!" she urged again, raising her hands to show that they meant no harm. "We are here to express our hopes for a better future!"
The guard's eyes narrowed, and he shouted back, "This is an unlawful assembly! You must disperse immediately or face the consequences!" His voice was harsh, echoing off the buildings surrounding the square.
Evelyn felt a surge of determination. She stepped closer to the front lines of the protest, her voice steady and clear. "We are not breaking any laws! We are exercising our right to assemble and speak our minds. We demand to be heard!"
