Lock and Key

Chapter 2

Everything was dark. Everything was gloomy. I had never been more scared in my entire life. Waking up in utter darkness and freezing temperatures can do that to a person. I felt around the space for anything I could hold onto, to grasp until this whole thing was over. Which I highly doubt would ever come. So I'm gonna hold onto whatever I can for the rest of my life.

I feel a short horizontal metal pole about half a foot tall. I was laying on the floor. Everything felt tall to me. It, I later found out, was the leg of a small twin-sized bed. The mattress was thin and there were springs bulging out from underneath. Stains from unexplainable things were covering the majority of it. I felt a wool blanket on the edge of the bed. It was thin and scratchy. It didn't do much for my time there.

Since it was the only thing I could possibly find in the dark, I grab the blanket and cover myself in it. Folding in on myself just to fit. My feet still stuck out due to my tallness. I never once slept on that bed. I never succumbed to the bribery that was lacing the room. I slept on the floor every night after. Why bother being comfortable when all I want to do is leave? I cried for hours the first night there. I suspected someone heard me, but they never showed their presence.

I could feel the pain from my leg flaring up, contrasting the coolness of the concrete. Pain was good. Pain was alive. I trace my fingers over the deep gash in the side of my thigh. It was roughly an inch and a half wide and so deep I could feel it in my bones. I couldn't walk. Which was the initial plan, for me not to run away. To be decrepit. I will not cry, crying shows fear.

I will not be afraid.

After sleeping only a few mere nightmare filled hours, I woke up to the sun on my face. The small window bringing in the brightness of the rising sun. It was too small for even me to get through. I don't even try. There is no point.

I sit up from my position on the concrete floor and rub my eyes, not that it will do much good. A loud knock was at the door. It was a two-inch-thick steel door and can only be opened from the outside. There was no handle on the other side. Leaving me trapped. With my own thoughts. A tray slides through the bottom and only has a few items on it: A piece of bread, some cheese, a cup of water, and a note. It was written in perfect cursive and I couldn't tell whether a man or woman wrote it. I try my best to read it. Not ever bothering with the food.

Andrea, (or whatever you are calling yourself now)

It was a pleasure to see you again my dear. I'm sorry for the awful housing situation but I cannot risk you getting away from me again. We both know how well that went last time.

I remember all too well. Those faces, those eyes. I will never forget. I won't allow myself to forget.

I suggest eating your food. I can't keep track of when they give you food or not. But I will be coming to see you shortly. I expect your plate clean when I get there. I am so happy that we are finally together. I promise you will be happy with me.

Forever yours,

Luke

I reread the letter over and over again. I didn't want to believe that he had gotten to me. Been able to keep me here. Been able to starve me into complacency. I will not comply. I will not surrender.

I will not die.

*****

My eyes break open and I'm sitting up, breathing hard. There is sweat dripping from my face.

Or are they tears?

I can never tell the difference.

I bring the blanket up to my chin, desperate to be as warm as possible. Still breathing hard and eyes wide, I take in my surroundings. I was sitting in a large bed with a dark blue comforter. To my left was a nightstand with a picture frame face down. The edges were splintered and frayed. It was old, and meaningful. On that wall was a large window, sun shining brightly through the white curtains. In the far left corner, there was a tall wooden dresser. The top drawer was open, a piece of white clothing folded over the edge. The top of the drawer had a set of car keys on it and nothing else. On my right was a closet with two sliding/folding doors. I wanted to peek inside but I have no idea where I am, I have no urge to move. The room didn't have any posters or any sign of personality.