CAGED

Chapter 5: Sold

Master has left me alone for several days, five so far. It frightens me because I don't know what to expect. I don't recall the last time I've eaten anything, even a crumb. I had water two days ago, Master gave me a bath in freezing cold water and I lapped at the water like a beaten dog. Master laughed at my performance, but I couldn't withstand the thirst. I greedily drank as much as he would allow.

Master explained that the bidder would be here in two days to examine me. The way he said it made my insides twist and bile to rise up in my throat. That was why, he spoke slowly, he hasn't touched me. He was allowing my wounds to heal a little before I was to be put on display. Very important.

I sit in my cage and ponder, my mind running the rules on a loop like a broken record. I don't know if this bidder will quiz me on what was to be expected, but I want to be prepared. As I recite each one I drag my cracked finger tips across the scars and marks that go with each rule.

'Never Tell Master No' I run my dry palms across the four raised lines on each of my side's. This was an important rule, Master said, so he pierced the four words onto both sides of my ribs. Eight lines for this important rule.

Master said that that rule is designed so that I remember to never go against my Masters requests or punishments. Meaning I'm not allowed to beg for mercy or plead my innocence. I've long since stopped begging Master to let me go or to not punish me. If Master wants to punish me, then surely I've done something wrong.

I shake my head at the thought, suddenly more alert. No! I scream to myself. I am not at fault! These people are sick! I was kidnapped, I don't deserve any of this! My eyes widen as I look around the room, suddenly determined to escape. I haven't tried to escape since the first day, however long ago that was. Now, however, I know that I must get free if I want to live.

My eyes set on the door out of the room. I will have to make my escape before the bidder comes in two days. But that means that I have to get Master- that thing- to let me out of the cage. I try to wrack my brain so that I can focus and think of a way to lure him in here.

"Master!" I scream without another thought. "Ahhh!"

Master opens the door and slowly steps in, his eyes taking over me head to toe. He doesn't look pleased at my outburst, so I blink my eyes rapidly until I'm crying. I clutch my stomach as if I were being torn apart from the inside.

"What?" Master asks lazily, as though he is already bored.

"My stomach!" I cry out. "It hurts! I'm having cramps from my period!" I silently pray this man had a mother or sister or girlfriend and he would understand.

"So?" Master sneers. "Get over it!"

"Ahh!" I screech until my throat hurts. "Please! I need the bathroom! Please, Master!"

Master bounces from one foot to the other, and I know I've won. I continue to cry and moan in pain as Master takes slow steps towards me. Master takes the key from his pocket and unlocks the cage door, swinging it open with a loud rusty creak. He reaches in and wraps his thick fingers around my bicep; he drags me out.

With a deep breath I scream and drop all of my weight to the floor. Granted that I don't weigh much, having not eaten in I don't know how long. It was just enough to surprise him though and he loosens his hold on me. I yank my arm down to the ground with my body, then throw it upwards into his manhood. As he doubles over in pain I thrust my leg into the air, clipping his chin with my bare foot.

With him very briefly distracted I roll away and crawl for a second before wobbling to my feet and dashing for the door. I try not panic as I search for the front door, or the back door, or any door. I see a door next to a window and I know it leads outside. I quickly run to the door and yank on the door knob. It doesn't budge. I yank on it again and again, but nothing happens.

I nearly smack myself in the head as I turn the lock and then push the door open. As the door starts to open just a crack I'm grabbed from behind, two hands gripping my shoulders painfully. I scream and throw my head back into Masters chest and try again for the door; I didn't even affect Master though as he wrapped his arm around my neck, his forearm against my windpipe. He tightens his hold as I gasp, my eyes fluttering shut despite me fighting to keep them open. I hear Master shut the door as I pass out from lack of oxygen.