When I opened my eyes the following light, I could move my head, but my arms and legs were still bound. Searing pain shot through my limbs when I tried to move. I hadn’t been able to get up to relieve myself, so the bedding beneath me was damp, and my bottom-covering clung unpleasantly to my body. I was ashamed even though I knew it wasn’t my fault.  

I need a distraction, I thought. Instead of letting my mind rest and focusing on the reality of my physical situation or remembering Mother and the darkness, I forced myself to think about Joely’s second visit. Maybe something Joely said could help me break free. But our conversation splintered in my mind like the conversation I’d overheard during Father’s meeting. I couldn’t even remember the name Joely had called me...

Please subscribe to keep reading.