It was dark and cold. It smelled rotten and the smell of blood was in the air. I could feel the cold iron clasped around my wrists. Scattered drops landed on my head, was that blood? "Hello?", I shouted into the darkness. I hoped for an answer, but got none. I couldn't breathe properly, a layer of cloth under my nose was responsible for it. "Where am I? What is happening to me?", I thought to myself. Then it came back to me like lightning...
It was our 20th wedding anniversary. My husband and I were sitting in a beautiful restaurant, enjoying our dinner and watching the beautiful sunset. We could see all over the city and the Eiffel Tower was towering over Paris. How lucky we are. Successful, happy and we live in the city of light. I met my husband when I was young and since then we have been happy together and have been married for 20 years. "What are you thinking right now?" my husband asked and tore me from my daydream. I didn't notice that during the whole time I was looking at him dreamily. My husband had to laugh at my baffled expression. "I love you," he said and raised the wine glass. "I love you more", I replied and made our glasses clink.
It was already dark when we set off for home. The street lamps lit up the empty street and we walked hand in hand, side by side in a pleasant silence.
Suddenly I heard other steps. I looked up and in front of us stood three wide men. Each one was dressed in black and had a cudgel in his hand. "Adrien, where's the boss' money?" asked the tallest of the three men. I looked at my husband, Adrien, confused. He looked at me and said: "Don't be afraid, I'll sort this out", before I looked at him even more confused. "Gentlemen, I told you I will bring the money to the boss next week", Adrien reassured the men. But they found this anything but reassuring. "You have betrayed the boss and you and your wife will have to pay for it," snorted the one man. "Leave my wife out of this, she knows nothing," replied Adrien. "What don't I know about, darling?", I asked Adrien anxiously. "Darling don't worry, I'll explain everything to you...", but before he could talk any further, one man shouted, "Enough with the yakking," and gave his men a sign. Before we could escape, they caught us and put a cloth over our mouths and noses.
"That was probably narcotics," I thought to myself, because I couldn't remember what happened afterwards. What did Adrien hide from me? Is that why we lived such luxurious lives?
Before I could ask myself any more questions I heard footsteps and that a door was opened. Someone tore at my arm and I was startled. "Get up", a voice grunted, raising the hairs on the back of my neck. I got up reluctantly and let the person lead me somewhere. Quietly I walked next to him and dared not ask questions.
Suddenly it became light. But I still could not see anything because of the sack that had been put over my head. Then I noticed a small hole in the sack where I could see through. What I saw broke my heart. Adrien stood there, covered in blood and barely able to stand on her feet. He let his head hang down and his hair fell on his face. It was a shocking sight. I sobbed and felt tears running down my cheeks. Adrien obviously heard me, because he slowly lifted his head. "Laurelle...you're fine," Adrien whispered in relief and smiled at me. "Be quiet," cried a deep voice. "Please...", Adrien said softly, "Don't hurt my wife. She has no idea what's going on. Laurelle... I'm sorry..." The person who was holding me released me and I ran to Adrien and helped him sit on the floor. "Laurelle... forgive me. I didn't mean to do this to you but I had no choice. I lost my job and needed a new one as soon as possible so I could give you everything you wanted. I got into the drug business... I didn't want to end up on the street with my wife. I wanted to give you a good life. I love you, Laurelle... please forgive me", Adrien whispered and began to cry. Soothingly, I put one hand on his shoulder. "Please don't worry. I know that you meant well and I was allowed to live such an incredibly beautiful life because of you. I love you, Adrien. Thank you," I said and hugged him. A second later, someone tugged at Adrien and put a cloth bag over his head. "Laurelle!", Adrien yelled, grabbed my arms and pulled me to him. Then he kissed me.
Someone tore at Adrien and me, but we never let go of each other. The tearing stopped and I heard a click. I held Adrien, closed my eyes and prayed... *BANG*.
From above I saw Adrien and I lying on the ground, tightly wrapped and the blood flowed like a stream on all sides. Then I saw a light and followed it.
