he presenter who, in a firm and almost hypnotic voice, began to introduce each of the girls. His words floated in the air lik

atmosphere became charged with ten

t was not a cigarette; his smoke rose in gray spirals, creating an even more oppressive atmosphere. I wondered what it was that he was consuming: an

ruel reality of our situation. That metal collar was a symbol of our servitude; an invisible chain that kept us bound

eady been sold; now there were five of us left, including me. The others w

rrogant smile. His pride was palpable; he gloated in his a

re they really proud of this? Or were they simply sh

around, waiting for more offers. But ther

e four of

th reddish hair who was visibly shaking. Her tremb

thout thinking, knowing fu

her head as tears fell down

ion. We were in the same cage, b

hand away. "If I'm not able to sav

fear. In that instant, I remembered my own arriv

e for her to get out, her in

hoping that she would su

ound of a gunshot. Time seemed to stop as sh

choked in my throat; my body was pa

r of this disgusting place. She put her gun away with contempt and acted as if

of violence and despair. My heart was pounding as tears began to flow; I kne

ake her away from the place "feed her to the dogs" That is the last thing I manage to hear

n right now with all my might, but I can't because I'm a coward.

calm, as if that life they just took was worthless, as if it meant nothing. In the midst of the chaos and confusion, I realized so

ror rang in my ears, I realized that I must find a way

e cold, grey walls seem to absorb the suffering, while the air grows heavy w

they k

ng shot without any consideration. The girls' lives don't matter

given her a little hope. The image of her face, pale an

ll my

hat happened. The host continues as if nothing happened, as

they be

s was interrupted when

k, as if he's presenting the best item at the auction. "If you're looking for a

rol myself and not shed any tears. I have to be strong; I have

o get ou

ng out of here is the only thing that has kep

. please

eerie because a moment ago, when I was introduced, ther

r and my heart almost jump out: 10 million dollars. My gaze

offering 10 m

room as if assessing each person present. The mix of fear and hope stir

or does he really have a different plan for me? Uncertainty consumes

e within me. If he's willing to pay this much for me, maybe there's

nd his intentions. Is he a sa

t fast. This might be my only chance to get out of this hell

the stakes start to rise, I decide that I am not

or myself, but for all the girls trapped he

his dark place, but now I hav

ice! Today I b