na'

sure Ezra had left the house. Once I was certain, I quickly slipped on

One was wiping the floor, and the other was dusting

am," one of the

replied, offerin

e you breakfas

ir. I'll let you know when I'm hungry," I s

plied, continuing her wor

might notice me. The sight was clear-there was no one in sight. I quickly turned back to check if I

and closed it behind me. I began running, heading toward the left side of the yard to avoid the mai

ched as if they were on fire. I stumbled and came to a stop. I glanced over my shoulder

random shops. I pushed forward, hoping to find something

?" I asked, trying to sound casual,

the shopkee

t and realized I had only 100 rupees

d a packet of biscuits," I sai

lked out, trying to calm my nerves. I quickly drank the water,

e a good place to rest, so I headed in that direction. I found a bench and sat down,

ad to call

. Then, my eyes caught a couple sitting nearby on another bench.

d, offering

sponded, looking

came with my parents, but I don't know how I ended up here. I don't have a phone with me, a

panion before handing me he

sh of relief. I quickly dialed my father'

three times bef

lm, but I could hear the

spered, my h

lied, his voice now f

lease. Someone kidnapped me. I don't know where I am. He brough

e spoke again. "I don't have a

ent, I couldn't breathe. "Dad, please, I swear I'm not lying. I'm bein

hone was ripped from my hand. I whippe

s him

the couple, his voice cold and menacing. His mas

aid, his tone leaving

"I won't go with you. Let me go! I'll screa

on't want trouble for yourself or your family, stay quie

is hand clamped over my mouth. I tried to bite his hand, but his gr

but it was locked. I turned to face him, and the c

break free, but it was futile. I punched him

, you girls always think you can win. I'll fire that

r. "She had nothing to do with this! You

g across his face. "This is my house, an

g. "Just let me go! I won't tell anyone ab

lp. Stop begging." He looked out the win

nside, throwing me into my room. "You won't come out unti

. "You can't lock me in here! Op

s I slumped onto the bed, tears streaming down my face.

nightmare, with no

cked, and Grace entered, pus

she said, setting the p

ing it. My eyes flickered to the door

the trolley. "What's for breakfas

ed, but I wasn't listening. Before she

ed after me, bu

she screamed, trying

re I even got far. I dashed toward the wall outside, it was high, but I could manage.

s grip. I used every ounce of strength t

down on his hand, but his gri

away from the wall. My body hit the ground with a thud,

was nothing compared t