BROWN

prologue

Maria woke up with a throbbing headache. The convulsing sounds of a problematic generator, moved in synchrony with each throb. It sounded like papa Ejike's cough. Forceful, angry with resurrection breaths in between. Begging to stop.
Still in transition between sleep and wakefulness;
She wondered how she got there.
All covered in mud, she looked around. She was trapped in what seemed like a condemned mud kitchen.
All she could remember was her and Mathew sleeping in their hidden shelter; when she was awoken by the feel of a tight grip over her neck, which knocked her back unconscious.
She looked around suddenly and jumped up quickly.
Mathew! Mathew!
Dear God, did they take him? Maria Brown thought, please not him too. Take me instead.
Maria suddenly felt lightheaded. It was dark. I shouldn't have left home, she thought whilst starting to panic. She could hear footsteps approaching behind her. She stretched her hands reaching for the walls. With both hands on the wall, she moved up and down; side to side. The walls felt freezingly cold and endless. The footsteps got closer.
She could feel her heart in her mouth.
God please
Then suddenly her hands felt what seemed like hope. Maria gave the wooden doors a vigorous shake. It didn't budge. She could hear her captor closer than ever, breathing heavily with each step he took. Maria was frozen with fear. She tried again, this time with all the strength she had left in her. It still didn't budge. She screamed and banged harder.
Let me Go!!!
In frustration, she dropped to the ground. Her face suddenly felt wet. Wet with tears. Mathew, she let out in between her sobs. I'm so sorry.
The doors swung open and she looked up to what might be her end.
She shivered in fear.