Lost Memories

Prologue

« I don't want to go back, I don't want Tasha ever again! It hurts too much! » I say, letting a sobbing escape.

Immediately, her hand comes to cover my lips, preventing me from making more noise.

« Shh Carol, you know what happens if we make noise! » she replies, whispering back.

I try to choke my tears, but it hurts too much and moans slip between my lips. Slowly, she takes me in her arms and rocks me. I snuggle up against her. I feel like I'm protected when she's around. But it's only an illusion. I know that in a short time the door will open again. And that they'll take one of us again. My whole body is screaming in pain and I know hers is too, but she doesn't show it. She has always been strong, even before all this, before this hell became our daily life. 

It's already been a year. It's been a year since my paradise went to hell. Honestly, if I had been alone, it would have been less serious. Only, my angel is here with me and she's suffering. And this thought is even more intolerable than any torture. She is there and cradles me, letting me choke my tears in the hollow of her shoulder. I hold her tight against me. Her beautiful red hair touches my neck. She's so thin. That being said, I can't be any bigger than her. Food is not one of their priorities and depending on the day, we may or may not receive it. At first, it was anarchy. And then we got used to it. I no longer even feel my stomach twisting, the pain being insignificant compared to the pain of my body torn apart by wounds.

« Listen to me, » Natasha whispers to me, « I promise you, I promise you that one day we'll get out of here and fly away from here. I promise I'll never abandon you, I'll always come back for you. You're my Wendy, I'm your Peter Pan and one day we'll fly away. We're only 16 and one day we'll fly away. I promise you that. »

I look up at her and answer with a faint smile. I trust her and I know she will keep her promise. She leans towards me and puts her lips on mine. I enjoy the moment, praying that time will freeze. When she moves away, I follow her lips for a moment, wishing to prolong the sensation. 

« I love you, Tasha, » I tell her in a depressed mood.

« I love you, too, Carol, » she answers me, one hand on my cheek « you're my everything. »

Suddenly, noises are heard. Footsteps. My whole body freezes and starts to shake. My breathing is getting blocked. My mind is empty. Natasha puts one hand on mine, helping me to calm down. The door opens in a deafening crash. Natasha moves in such a way as to form a barrier between me and those who want to hurt us. Even from behind, I can see her failing leg and wounds. I hide behind her arm, which she places around my waist. I cling on her, even though I know it's in vain. They arrive in pairs and grab Natasha violently. They lure her out, but I refuse to let go. One of the two guards drops Natasha and hits me hard on the ribs. It hurts, but I'm holding on. He grabs my waist and pulls in the opposite direction. Natasha grabs my hand, so the agent holding her has to lift her up to pull her.

« NATASHA! NATASHA! COME BACK NO TASHA PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE ME » I shout when they finally manage to separate us. I struggle, scream as much as I can, kick in all directions, using what little energy I have left to try to escape.

« Carol, remember! I promised you and I will keep that promise, okay? Remember! I'll be back in a little while! » she shouts at me, as the man takes her away from me.

The guard who is holding me throws me to the ground and I don't have the strength to get up. My ribs are sore and a huge ball of emotion is stuck in my throat. I keep calling her, crying alone on the floor of the cell plunged into darkness. I keep calling my angel, hoping every second to see her walk through that door. No matter what state she finds herself in, I will be there to comfort her, that's what I promised myself. « We'll fly away, » she promised me.

I waited. Hours, days.

She never came back.