The Space Between

SEVEN

I can feel the cold, damp air of the cellar pressing against my skin. The only light comes from a small, grimy window high on the wall, casting eerie shadows around the room. My wrists are tightly bound to a pole in the center, and I can barely move. Fear grips me as I wonder if anyone is out there looking for me. My mom, Imani, and the police—they had to be searching, right?

Suddenly, the cellar door creaks open, and my heart pounds in my chest. I hold my breath, straining to hear the footsteps descending the stairs. Each step echoes louder, closer. I know it was him—the man who has taken me. James Franco's character, Sean, a kidnapper, is approaching.

I force myself to stay in character, even though I am internally in awe of working with such a renowned actor. My fear is real, and I let it consume me, pushing aside any distractions.

"Who's there?" I call out, my voice trembling.

"Quiet," he commands, his voice cold and menacing. He steps into the dim light, and I can see the sinister glint in his eyes.

"What do you want from me?" I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.

He chuckles darkly. "It's not about what I want, Delia. It's about what you know."

"I don't know anything!" I protest, my voice rising in panic.

He steps closer, his face inches from mine. "We'll see about that," he whispers, sending a shiver down my spine.

I bite my lip, trying to hold back tears. The fear is overwhelming, but I can't let him see how terrified I am. I have to stay strong, for my mom, for Imani, and for myself.

As he turns to leave, I whisper, "They'll come for me. My mom, the police—they'll find me."

He pauses at the door, looking back with a cruel smile. "Let them try," he says before disappearing into the darkness, leaving me alone and scared, but determined to survive.

Minutes feel like hours as I sit here, trying to calm my racing heart. The darkness seems to close in around me, making it hard to breathe. I think about Mom, and how she always knows what to do. I can almost hear her voice, telling me to stay calm, to think clearly.

I close my eyes and take a deep breath. I have to find a way out of here. I can't just sit and wait for rescue. I twist my wrists, testing the ropes that bound me. They are tight, but maybe, just maybe, I can loosen them.

The sound of the cellar door opening again makes me freeze. His footsteps are heavier this time, more deliberate. He is coming back, and I'm not ready. My heart races even faster as he approaches.

"Miss me?" he taunts, his voice dripping with malice.

I don't respond. I can't give him the satisfaction. He walks around me, inspecting the ropes, making sure I am still secure.

"You know, Delia," he says, his voice softer now, almost gentle. "This doesn't have to be so hard. Just tell me what I want to know about your father, and this can all be over."

"I told you, I don't know anything," I insist, my voice barely above a whisper.

He sighs, as if disappointed. "Such a shame," he says, shaking his head. "I really thought you'd be more cooperative."

He leans in close, his breath hot against my ear. "But don't worry," he whispers. "We have all the time in the world."

With that, he turns and leaves again, leaving me in the suffocating darkness. I can hear the door lock behind him, a final, ominous sound that echoes in my mind. I am alone again, but I'm not defeated. I have to hold on to hope. I have to believe that someone will find me. And until then, I have to keep fighting.