The One We Call Hope

~8~ A New Friend

Sofia sat in the same room... in the same chair... for hours. No food or water. She felt dehydrated and hungry. Her mother's body was starting to rot and the smell filled up the enclosed room Sofia sat in. The smell got her dizzy and her head started hurting. Sofia's stomach grumbled from hunger while it hurt from the smell and the handcuffs started hurting her hands whenever she moved slightly. She wanted to sleep, but she was afraid. She was afraid of her next dream, waking up to be just like her mother. Or to just never wake up again.

Sofia's body shivered at the thought. There was a sharp and loud thud at the door. She quickly turned towards the door, terrified. The door slammed open and quick footsteps ran down the stairs. A young woman emerged from the staircase, panting softly. The young woman held a small knife in one hand, a flashlight in her other hand and was looking around for something. Or someone. She looked at Sofia. The young woman had blond hair with almond shaped light brown eyes. She had freckles and seemed at least a year older than Sofia. She had a white dress that was stained with fresh blood and dirt. Sofia almost felt bad for the dress. She also had pink socks and white shoes both covered with dirt. She ran over to Sofia and started cutting the rope off of her.

"You alright?" The woman asked Sofia, cutting the last rope off her. Her voice was smooth and calm. Sofia nodded and gestured towards the handcuffs on her arms. The young woman quickly pulled out a key and unlocked Sofia's hands. "Anyone with you?" Sofia rubbed her hands to soothe the aching pain from the handcuffs as she nodded slowly. Sofia pointed at her mother, avoiding her mother's body. The young woman was quiet for a moment before standing up. "I see. We need to go. They're looking for me, and soon, you." She grabbed Sofia's arm roughly and lifted her from the chair. The woman quickly walked out the room, pulling Sofia with her. Sofia looked at her mother's lifeless body. She didn't know if it was an hallucination, but she saw her mother's hand twitch for a split second.

The pair ran up the concrete stairs softly. The stairway was dark and narrow. The young woman stopped at the top of the stairway and looked around. Making sure the coast is clear, she tugged on Sofia's arm and quickly ran down the hallway. Sofia stumbled at how fast she was, but did her best to catch up.

"M-My friends...." Sofia managed to stutter out to the woman. She glared at Sofia before she quickened her pace. Sofia stumbled again, frightened that she was making too much noise. They stopped at what Sofia assumed to be the front door. The young woman fumbled with the locked door, not seeing a way to open it without force. She took a deep breath before kicking down the door, causing Sofia to jump and look around. Sofia heard someone from upstairs and someone from a room nearby run towards the pair. The young woman grabbed Sofia's wrist this time, causing her to yelp in pain, and ran outside the house. They were in front of a cornfield under the bright moonlight. Sofia made sure to follow the woman closely as they started running through the field.

Sofia stole glances behind her to see the two men from before run to the front door with guns. Sofia screamed and looked at the young woman, who noticed Sofia's scream and looked behind her. She silently cursed to herself before making a sharp left, barely dodging some bullets the men shot at them. She crouched down behind a small haystack and looked at Sofia, causing Sofia to crouch as well. "Listen here," the woman whispered. "They're looking for us. They want to kill you and I'm pretty sure they'll eat you."

Sofia's eyes widened. "My friends... and my mom-"

She interrupted Sofia, annoyed. "Are most likely dead. Listen kid, I'm in the same boat as you. I lost my friends and family, and I chose to escape. I've been in there for at least two days. Just yesterday, I heard you and your mother screaming down there, so I wanted to help you guys." She sighed and calmed herself down. "I'm sorry I didn't get there earlier, but it was hard escaping by myself." The woman sounded strict. "So if you want to live, you'll need to just shut up and follow my lead. If you want to die, by all means, go back to them for your friends and family, I won't stop you. But you will not bring me down with you." Sofia stared at the woman, shocked and upset.  I have no choice, do I? Sofia slowly nodded and the young woman smiled.