Run (a Taylor Swift Story)

8- Taken away

The guard’s grip on Taylor tightened, and she let out a strangled cry. Carrie’s heart shattered as she saw the fear in Taylor’s eyes—eyes that once held so much innocence, now wide with terror.

"Stop! Please, don’t—" Carrie’s voice broke, raw with desperation, but the guard only sneered, dragging Taylor toward the door with no care for her fragile frame. Carrie’s chains rattled as she tried to move, her body screaming in protest, but she was still bound. Helpless.

Taylor fought back weakly, struggling to break free, her hands pulling at the guard’s, but he only laughed, the sound cruel and hollow. Carrie’s breath caught in her throat as she watched Taylor’s helpless attempts to resist, each tear that fell from her face a dagger to Carrie’s heart.

"No, please!" Taylor cried out again, her voice hoarse with fear. "Carrie, help me!"

Carrie’s chest constricted with the weight of her inability to do anything. She could feel the tears stinging her own eyes, the gut-wrenching realization that she couldn’t protect Taylor, no matter how hard she tried.

The guard chuckled darkly. "She’s not going to do anything. You’re mine now."

Carrie’s whole body tensed as he yanked Taylor roughly out of the room, her small form stumbling in the guard’s wake. Carrie’s heart slammed against her ribcage, each beat screaming at her to do something, to move, but all she could do was watch in utter helplessness as Taylor was dragged away.

"Taylor!" Carrie shouted, her voice raw and hoarse. "Please, don’t hurt her!"

The sound of Taylor’s desperate sobs filled the air, each cry like a dagger through Carrie’s soul. She pulled desperately at her chains, but they were unforgiving, biting into her skin as her strength faltered. She couldn't reach her. She couldn't stop them.

And the crushing truth settled in her chest—she couldn’t protect Taylor.

The door slammed shut, cutting off the sounds of Taylor’s cries. Carrie collapsed against the wall, the cold stone biting into her skin as she trembled, powerless and broken. Her hands clenched into fists, nails digging into her palms, but it did nothing to stop the whirlwind of anguish inside her.

What was happening to Taylor? Where were they taking her? How could Carrie not protect her?

Carrie’s mind raced, but it was all a blur of panic and sorrow. She had tried to shield Taylor. She had promised her she wouldn’t let anyone hurt her. But now, with the sound of the door slamming shut behind them, the reality sank in. She had failed.

A soft sob broke through her, and she covered her mouth, her body wracked with silent sobs. She couldn’t stay in this place. She couldn’t let Taylor suffer alone. Carrie wiped at her eyes fiercely, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t stop the tears from coming.

She had to find a way out. She had to save Taylor. She had to—

But what could she do?

The silence of the room settled in, the darkness pressing in on all sides. Carrie’s mind struggled for clarity, for any solution, but all that remained was a suffocating sense of helplessness.

She was alone.

And Taylor was somewhere out there, suffering.