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As she walks away, I stand there, staring back at her, all while trying to figure out the answer to two burning questions.

How do I get her to confide in me?

And why do I seem to care so much that she does?

SADIE

The stench of mildew has become a steady presence in this horrific nightmare. Even though the mattress is hard beneath me and the tiny blanket I was offered barely large enough to cover my torso, if I keep my eyes closed long enough, I can pretend.

I can pretend that this isn’t my reality.

That I’m back home, in my bed, waking up to start another wonderful day. Tears burn in the corners of my eyes, that lump back in my throat.

Lord, why me? Why is this happening to me? Please, God. Please let today be the day You rescue me.

My chest aches, the pain so familiar to me now.

Will I ever taste freedom again?

Will I ever see a sunset?

A door scrapes as it opens, and I choke on a sob, pulling my body in even closer. Metal bites into my wrists, but I stifle a cry. Maybe, if he thinks I’m asleep, he’ll leave. Maybe today won’t be the day that⁠—

Sweat slicks my skin as I sit up, choking on a ragged, panicked breath.

For a moment, I can smell the mildew.

I can feel the chains biting into my wrists.

“I’m okay. I’m here. God, please help me. Please help me remember that I’m here.” I draw my knees up to my chest and lean back against the headboard. In the distance, I can hear the steady thumping of music, and it helps bring me back to reality.

Because he’s down there.

Maverick. The stranger who shouldn’t calm me the way he does.

Throwing the blankets to the side, I get to my feet and head into the bathroom to splash cold water on my face.

I’m not there anymore.

I’m here.

In Stormwatch Landing, a tiny coastal town I didn’t even know existed until a few days ago. I am literally states away from where I lived and was held, so the likelihood of him finding me here is low.

But then, why is there this constant pit in my stomach?

Suddenly, the apartment is too small. Too alone. And although it is nothing like the cellar I was held in, being here reminds me of those four walls and all the days alone. So, I dress quickly, slipping into a pair of leggings and a long sweatshirt.

I can go sit down in the kitchen while Maverick works the bar. Then, I won’t be alone. With him close, I’ll be able to breathe.

After slipping into my shoes, I grab my keys and rush out the door, locking it up behind me.

The further I get down the stairs, the louder the music is. There’s laughing in the distance, and that helps ground me just a bit because it means I’m not alone.

I push open the door and make sure it closes behind me, then start down the hall.

The bar ahead is packed. People are wall-to-wall, some with drinks in their hands, others simply visiting with each other.

Maybe I should go back.