Those 7 years: Missing One Shot Chapter

19

The sun hung low in the sky as the captors returned to the shed, their faces tight with anger and fear. As they approached, one of them noticed the padlock hanging loosely from the latch.

"Something's not right," the first captor growled, moving to the door and pushing it open. The hinges creaked ominously, revealing the emptiness inside.

"She's gone!" he shouted, rushing in. The shed was as it had always been, but now it felt desolate and empty, as if a vital piece had been ripped away. "Damn it! We need to find her!"

The second captor followed closely, scanning the area outside the shed. "She can't have gone far. Split up! Search the woods!"

With their orders given, the two men dashed off into the forest, determination and desperation fueling their frantic search for the woman they had kept captive for far too long.

Taylor's Point of View

The trees loomed above Taylor as she and Leo stumbled through the dense underbrush, their legs sore from the escape. Each step felt like a monumental effort, but Taylor focused on the tiny hand wrapped tightly around hers.

"Mommy, I'm tired," Leo said, his voice small and weary.

"I know, sweetheart. Just a little further, okay? We need to find help," she replied, fighting against the exhaustion that threatened to pull her down. She scanned the horizon for any signs of civilization, her heart racing with both fear and hope.

Suddenly, she spotted movement through the trees. A couple appeared, walking along a narrow path, their faces lighting up with surprise as they caught sight of Taylor and Leo.

"Are you two okay?" the woman called out, rushing forward.

Taylor felt a wave of relief wash over her as she nodded. "We need help. Please!"

The couple quickly assessed the situation, concern etched on their faces. "What happened? Are you hurt?" the man asked, kneeling down to Leo's level.

"No, I'm fine," Leo chimed in, but Taylor could see the worry in his eyes.

"Stay close, Leo," she whispered, feeling a rush of protectiveness. "We'll be okay now."

The woman reached for her phone, dialing 911 as the man stayed by their side, offering reassurance. "Help is on the way. You're safe now."

Moments later, the sound of sirens echoed through the trees, and Taylor felt her heart lighten. They were finally going to get the help they needed. The couple guided her and Leo to the waiting ambulance, its doors swinging open with a promise of safety.

As they climbed inside, Taylor could hardly contain the flood of emotions that rushed over her. She held Leo close, whispering words of comfort even as her own heart raced with fear and uncertainty.

Once inside the hospital, Taylor was quickly checked over by medical staff, the bright lights and sterile smells overwhelming. Nurses moved with practiced efficiency, but Taylor struggled to keep her composure, anxiety gnawing at her.

"Can you tell me your name?" a nurse asked gently, her voice soothing.

"Taylor," she managed to say, her voice shaking.

"And this is your son?" the nurse continued, glancing down at Leo, who was clinging to Taylor's leg.

"Yes, this is Leo," she replied, forcing a smile for his sake.

As the staff began examining them, Taylor felt a wave of dread wash over her. They wrapped a blood pressure cuff around her arm, and she flinched as they pressed on her bruised ribs. She steeled herself, determined to stay strong for Leo.

"Mommy, are you okay?" Leo asked, his small face filled with concern.

"I'm okay, baby. Just a little tired," she lied, forcing a brave smile.

But as the doctors examined her further, Taylor felt her façade beginning to crack. They noticed the dozens of knife scars marking her arms and legs, each one a reminder of the horrors she had endured. The gasps of the medical team echoed around her, and she felt exposed, vulnerable in a way she hadn't allowed herself to be in years.

"Taylor, I need you to take a deep breath," one of the doctors said, his tone serious. "We're going to take care of you and Leo, but we need to know everything that happened."

As the doctor pressed on her ribs again, she winced in pain. "I think I might have two broken ribs," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

"We'll get you some pain relief," the doctor assured her, glancing at the nurse. "And check her ankle as well; it looks sprained. Let's get her stabilized first."

As they continued to examine her, the overwhelming reality of her situation began to set in. She was free, yet the scars of her captivity were all too real.

When they finished checking her, Taylor felt drained but relieved. "What about Leo?" she asked, looking over at her son, who was being examined by another nurse.

"He's perfectly fine, just a bit shaken up," the nurse replied, giving Taylor a reassuring smile. "You've done a great job keeping him safe."

Tears of relief filled Taylor's eyes as she looked at Leo, who was watching her with wide, innocent eyes. "See? I told you we would be okay," she whispered to him, her heart swelling with love and pride.

As the doctors began to work on her injuries, Taylor focused on Leo's smiling face, determined to stay strong for him. They were finally on the road to recovery, and she would fight to ensure they never went back to that hell again.