When you picture a kidnapper, you see a tall man in an overcoat. Maybe he's hiding behind dark sunglasses at the wheel of a black SUV or a white van, or sitting on a park bench leering at young children. When this image comes to mind, perhaps the phrase 'stranger danger' pops in your head. You never think it would be someone you know, or that it could happen to you. But it does. Now picture a woman in her early 30s with big doe eyes the color of melted chocolate and flaming red hair that is as straight as an arrow. You'd never know what she was capable of if you happened to pass her on the street. But me? I know a little more than I probably should.

I froze; the guard yelled, telling me to get a move on. The unearthly screeching sent all of us into shock, soon turning into fear. Some cried the moment they reached the door. I didn't know what was coming, but it'd be painful. “Next!” I was two kids away from the cold metal plated door. I closed my eyes, hearing a scream from behind the door. The girl in front of me started to cry. “Shut up!” A guard yelled, slapping her cheek. My eyes widened and I forced myself to swallow tears that threatened to fall. “Next!” My sore bare feet scraped across the dark tiled floor as I made my way forward while the next child went in. I wouldn't survive a slap to the cheek, no matter how strong I looked. “Next!” The girl in front of me quivered and shook, her fear obvious. I cringed away from the door as a laugh echoed in the next room. “Stand up straight!” The guard yelled at me. I didn't dare look him in the eyes, knowing I'd be hit like the last child that stared at him. “Next!” My skin crawled as the door opened...