A Silhouette and Maybe More

Role Reversal

I made it to the first landing without gaining any attention. By now, the sobbing had reduced to tearful whimpers, I was still curious as to why he reacted like this.

I hadn't quite studied my surroundings the first time I arrived, I only got a couple of seconds before Dan dragged me away not giving me enough time to look around. I peered over the side of the stairs which could be seen from the living room entrance. The living room was small but cozy and homely. The old fireplace beautiful decorated with tiles that lined it, and above it was a grand mirror that - along with the fire place - complemented one another. A glass coffee table stood before the fireplace, the four wooden legs were carefully carved with intricate patterns and the glass polished to a sheen. The corridor that was decorated with wallpaper that was slowly peeling away led into the kitchen where the whimpering came from meaning that Dan was in the kitchen.

I got to the bottom of the stairs, now was the tricky part: it was impossible for me to exit the front door without being seen from the kitchen so I had to time my escape carefully. In my head I planned the escape multiple times, improving it each time. I tried to think of how I was going to do it, every strategy had it's pros and cons; should I do it slowly and quietly? But then that will give him more time to notice me. Should I do it quickly but loudly making my escape but to Dans attention? Either way, I was going to get caught. It was mission impossible.

As I peered round looking down the lengthy corridor into the kitchen I saw the back of Dans head face me as he sat in a chair at the table. I watched him as he stood up, walked to where the drawer of cutlery was and pulled out a butchers knife, I assumed the worst. His shaky hand held onto the handle of the knife bringing it closer and closer to his neck, making my eyes widen. He tilted his head to face the ceiling to expose his neck and placed the blade against it but not applying any pressure.

I couldn't let him do this. Something in me clicked, like a whole new me had sprung out completely forgetting that I was going to save the murderer who kidnapped me. But, in a way I was also returning the favour, he granted me my life when he could've took it away in a split second so now it was my turn, plus it wouldn't be a pretty sight to see. I started to sprint down the hallway when really I should've been sprinting out the door. My hand outstretched, I grabbed his hand that clutched onto the knife and pulled it away from him startling him at the same time.

"STOP!" I screamed. He finally exhaled from holding in his breath ready to slit his throat. He looked like a disgrace. Eyes puffy and red contrasting with his crystal blue eyes, hair matted and damp from sweating and his grubby hands hung by his side. Confused, he continuously stared at me, not believing what he was seeing.

"I-I thought you were...I killed y-you." He stammered. I didn't know what to say, what was there to say? Hi, yep not dead, surprise!

Taken back by my own actions I stared away from him yet again questioning my decisions as the sudden realisation hit me. It was awkward, I couldn't come up with an explanation so we were silently standing in the kitchen enduring the eerie silence.

"I'm not quite sure why I did that..." I admitted while I stared at the knife in his hand. What was he going to do now? Finish the job that he failed to do the first time? Maybe be thankful for once that I saved his life and give me my freedom? I didn't know, only time could tell.

He replied to my statement with a flick of his wrist making the knife fall to the ground marking the floor, I flinched, insecure of his next move

"Why?" He whispered.

"Could ask you the same thing." I whispered back.

"I thought I killed you...I didn't want you to be dead..." He timidly explained shuffling from foot to foot making me agitated.

"Then why try to kill me?" I asked with frustration clearly showing through in my harsh voice. This was officially the most successful conversation we've had all week.

"I don't mean to, I never mean to. It was never my intention to kill anyone."

"Not even that guy?"

"Not even him, but he deserved to die after what he'd done."

I nodded not asking any further details, I didn't want to know. The drip of the tap occupied the ears of those who were listening. The silence in the room made it sound so much louder than what it should be.

I was too nervous to move, I wasn't sure by what his response was to me stopping him meant my freedom and that I could just walk out of here, or that he would take me back up to that room again.

"I'm sorry." He mumbled barely audible. He stared down at the floor full of regret. "I just don't want you to leave. I was being honest when I said I was lonely."

"But-but...I can't." I pleaded. Hearing his request brought tears to my own eyes.

"THEN WHY DID YOU STOP ME?!"

His thunderous words were like a slap to my face and his deafening voice blowing me away like a leaf in a storm. My breathing quickened along with my heart rate, taking a step back I banged my hip against the counter in fear of what Dan would do. Seeing my terrified reaction he immediately changed his angered expression to something more sorrowful. He held out his hands signalling that he wasn't going to do anything harmful.

"Please..." He begged again. "I need help." By the looks of it, he really did.

This - without a doubt - was the most difficult decision I have ever had to make in my life. For me it meant entrapment or freedom but for him it meant life or death which seemed more consequential. I thought about my family and how they would still be looking for me after 11 days, they must be worried sick. I do miss them. I also thought about Dan, I couldn't help to feel completely selfless which I always thought was one of my weaknesses, no matter who they were, I would always show remorse. I held his future in my hands and I could easily throw it all away. If I was to stay it would mean spending more time with him and less time with my family but also saving a life, but if I was to go, he would be completely heartbroken which would lead to him killing himself and I couldn't deal with the guilt knowing that I could've done something.

Maybe I could offer him a deal.