Blood Red Blindfold

Chapter 7

Josh untangles me from his arms. He takes my hands and slowly unties the rope binding my wrists. His fingers massage my raw skin.

He lets go and lays his hands in my palms. I focus on the knots, slowly unraveling the rope around his wrists. Soon they are free and his arms wrap around me in another hug. He pulls me onto his lap.

Josh's hands wrap around my ankles and loosen the rope, allowing me to wiggle free. He unties his own feet.

"They didn't make this hard," I squeak.

"I don't think that was the point. I don't think they're here to hurt and torture us," he responds, but he doesn't sound so sure. His chest vibrates with his breathing. Josh turns my cheek so that I am facing him.

His eyes look sincere. "I will protect you," he whispers. "But you have to promise me not to do anything stupid. I know you. I can't help either of us when you take off jumping off of two story buildings." His eyes scold me.

"You told me to run," I say. "I was upstairs. My mind was just blaring 'faster, faster.' I wanted to save us."

"I know. I know. And I should be used to your recklessness. I always hated how close to danger you always are. You always are just close enough to graze your gravestone but never fall into the grave."

"I don't mean to be a hazard," I say softly. "I can't help it."

"You're not a hazard. You're just difficult to handle. Haha," he laughs. "Just make sure that you don't put yourself in situations you can't get out of," he says, completely serious again.

"I promise," I whisper.

His eyes close as he swallows. I can tell my promise comforts him. And I understand. I'm a flight risk. A danger junky. A live on the edge personality. A result of missing parents. I can't change who I am. I've tried. It's impossible. But this danger, it's a different level. This isn't on edge of fun and games. This is serious. I am in a basement. I am trapped. I am taken. Ropes, blindfolds, and gags lay on the cold floor. This couldn't be any more real. I'm living in my nightmares.