The Vessel

Chapter 3: Encased

Author's Note:
Thanks to all who helped with editing the first two chapters. Hopefully I'll be able to release a new chapter once a week.
Enjoy!

I managed to slink my way back to my cabin unnoticed and I now sit on the floor, pen in hand, searching my brain for the perfect words to write, knowing too well that this letter may be the last form of communication I share with my family.

Don't worry, I'm safe.

I have a small cabin on the lower levels of the ship 12L where I keep the documents hidden deep within my bag. My room is always locked tight.

I'll get you guys out of prison, I promise. While I don't know how I'll do so, I'm not worried. This letter alone is proof that things will progress in our favor.

I only have to survive 12 more days until we reach Egypt, where I'll be able to work something out with our distant family. Together we'll fight for you.

I heard you were all imprisoned; please don't do anything foolish in the meantime that might risk our chances of meeting again. And remember, things could always be worse.

I wish I could write more, but I'm afraid I only have a short amount of time left.

I love you all and will see you shortly,

Nisa R.

P.s
Myles, I'm so proud of you.

I finish writing and glance down at my wristwatch. It was time to meet Vivian.

I carefully fold up the letter and slip it back into Vivian' s coat pocket. On my way out of my cabin, I make a quick stop at the bathroom. I look into the mirror to check that my hair hasn't fallen out. It still looks perfect.

I continue on down the hall until I reach the main staircase. I descend down two levels until I reach the maintaince floor for the ship. I can hear the roaring sound of the engine ringing in my ears.

Thankfully, the hallway was completely deserted, putting me at ease. I move to a nearby corner to wait for Vivian, like we had planned, as the overhead lights flicker a little.

"Anara?" A familiar and old voice sounds from the other side of the hallway. The owner of the voice hidden in the shadows.

I can feel my entire body tense up as I force myself to answer the voice.

"Y-yes?"

Amos stepped into the light, using a cane to support his frail body

"Sorry, dear. I didn't mean to scare you. I was just doing my daily maintainence check when I spotted you there. Just wanted to make sure everything's ok."

"Yes, I'm fine... I was just doing some exploring, but I've lost my sense of direction and wanted to wait for someone to direct me to the ... main restaurant." I stammer weakly.

"Of course, allow me to show you the way." Amos gestered for me with his free hand and started to walk slowly back towards the stairs. I take one last look around the floor, my eyes scanning every inch of the hallway, desperate for a sign of Vivian. But I come up short.