Survival

Chapter 58

Rapunzel and Elsa were huddled on the floor of the van as it sped away. The men went to the lengths to tie their hands but even then, Elsa managed to find Rapunzel's hand and hold it like her life depended on it.

Fear like she has never experienced slices through her. It's not just Elsa's life at stake but Rapunzel's.

If something were to happen to Rapunzel, Elsa would never be able to look her parents in the eye. She would would never forgive herself if something happened to her.

This is all her fault. Elsa brought them into this. She was stupid to believe they wouldn't pay the price for her past. Elsa was naive to think she had the safety of being able to walk freely wherever she pleased.

The men in the vehicle were talking but Elsa couldn't bring herself to listen. Her mind drifts from reality, thinking of all worst-case scenarios.

Elsa wishes she can apologize to Rapunzel. But how can she? She is only in this situation because of Elsa herself. And she has never hated herself more because of it.

As the men around her laugh and talk, Elsa forces her body to stop trembling as she realizes she is going to have to be strong for what is going to happen next.

Her and Rapunzel's life depends on it.

***

Elsa lost track of time. She had idea how long they have been driving.

The only sound she was able to hear was the heavy thudding of rain pouring and landing on the roof of the van. With the sack over her head she still wasn't able to see anything. Maybe they were––

Rapunzel and Elsa are practically thrown forward as the van screeches to a sudden stop.

"Alright, lets go!" Someone orders. Elsa then realizes the door of the van is being slid open as freezing rain pierces her. Rough hands grab the back of her sweater and shove her out the door where the wind and rain intensifies.

She smacks the ground with a yelp and as her fingers come in contact with the ground, her hands fist soaked leaves, twigs, and dirt.

The forest. They must be near the forest.

Rain continues to fall from the rumbling sky as Elsa is dragged by her sweater and then forced to move her legs and start walking. Even though she was not able to see, she turns around hoping to hear Rapunzel trailing after her but the men shove her forward.

But then Elsa hears the sound of a small cry as Rapunzel falls, unable to see where she is stepping and ends up tripping.

As Elsa marches, her entire body is soaked from head to toe––her sweater sticks to her like second skin, her jeans have turned leaden, and her boots and socks are drenched and squelch as she walks.

They walk and walk for who knows how long.

And then she and Rapunzel are abruptly halted. There is a pounding noise and the sound of a latched door being opened. She waits for a few seconds before she is forced to move again. Elsa can feel the transition of moving from the outside to what feels like the inside of a building.

Her drenched feet squelch as she walks on what feels like hardwood.

It feels like Elsa is walking towards her own execution.

The air around her feels and dense with tension as the men order her to keep moving.

Another door opens and Elsa is pushed in. Her knees scrape as her face collides with the floor, followed by Rapunzel who falls with a grunt.

The door closes and Elsa hears shuffling and despite the hood still over her head, Elsa can feel them drag Rapunzel away across the room.

Inside her hood, Elsa tries to stop her teeth from chattering by focusing on her breathing, and as she does so, she is able to feel each cloud of air that comes out of her as she exhales.