ManyWriters

Excruciating pain engulfed my entire body. The agony was unbearable. I let out a muffled groan as the captor pressed his foot onto my hand. "Why isn't he answering?" one kidnapper growled in frustration. "Are we sure we've got the right person?" another questioned. My chest tightened with anguish. I was torn between wanting Ash to answer and hoping he wouldn't, to keep him safe from harm. A piercing cry escaped my lips as my hair was violently yanked. "What's the deal? Why won't he pick up?" Through gritted teeth, I whimpered, "How am I supposed to know his reasons?"

A Desperate Call

Another year drifted by in this manner. I found myself needing to prolong my stay, but each passing day brought further recovery for both my mother and myself.


Four weeks ago, my mother regained consciousness. It had been a slow progression, but witnessing her eyes open once more was one of the most joyous experiences of my existence.


It was then that I understood how much had transpired: finding inner peace, recovering, and even allowing a new person into my world. Enzo had arrived under the pretense of a research program, and had been here for half a year now. We had ample opportunity to bond.


With Enzo, everything felt natural, as if we were destined to be part of each other's journeys. As though we were perfectly suited for one another. We simply hadn't crossed paths earlier.


"Have you finished packing?" Enzo's voice interrupted my musings, and I glanced up to see him standing nearby, a gentle grin on his face. He enveloped me in his arms, drawing me into a comforting hug.


Chapter 18