Dream

Again, I awoke with a start, my eyes snapping open. For a long moment, I'm disoriented, my head throbs and my leg pulses with dull pain. This room, looked different. The walls weren't blue anymore but a mix of grey and purple. And, the bed which I lay on now, was even softer.

As I struggled to try and get myself, I noticed a man seated in a high-backed chair near my bedside. His presence is… surprising and I immediately get defensive.

Before I could gather my thoughts, the man reached out and placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Easy now," he murmured softly, his tone was warmth but laced with authority and immediately soothed a part of my frayed nerves.

His calm, gentle aura immediately forces me to slow my racing heart. 

"I know that you must be confused. We had you moved to another and a much better room," he said. I do not know why, but this calm deep voice somehow cleared my haze of confusion.

"Please, lie back down," he insisted gently, guiding me to settle against the pillows.

As he spoke, I noticed how striking his features are, there is an undeniable allure to his face. He appeared to be in his mid-fifties, with a neatly trimmed beard flecked with white strands. There is a sort of softness and tenderness softness in his eyes.

I continued to watch him, unable to tear my eyes away. There was something captivating about the way he spoke and for a fleeting second, I allowed myself to be distracted by the way his presence, offers me comfort.

When he stopped speaking, I blush slightly, realizing that my lingering stare has not gone unnoticed.

He chuckled at this. It was low but managed to fill the room and I quickly averted my gaze, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. 

"I'm sorry," I said. "I didn't mean to… I was just surprised."

"No need for apologies," he said, his smile gentle. "It's not every day that one sees a beautiful soul awake in distress. I'm just glad I'm here to help." 

"What really happened?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper. 

He leaned a little closer, "I'm… well, it was my driver who actually struck you on the road." He paused, seeming to gauge my reaction, and I could see genuine concern etched in the lines around his eyes. "I rushed out as soon as it happened, and thankfully, you were still breathing although I could immediately tell by the nature of your wounds that they weren't caused by my car."

I swallowed hard, the reminder of what caused these injuries of mine coursing through my veins. 

"I am glad you are okay regardless. The moment Belinda told me that you were conscious, I hurried to come meet you."

A part of me is overwhelmed by the kindness in his voice, while another part of me, the part that remembers the terror of escape, warily assessed his words. "Why… why did you bring me here?" I asked, trying to keep the tremble out of my voice. "I mean, I'm a stranger to you. Why take this risk?"

His expression softened further, and he settled back into his chair as if choosing his words with care. 

"I couldn't leave you there, Selena," he said.

The way he called my name… Belinda must have told him. 

Not when you were injured and alone on that road," he continued. "The nearest hospital is many kilometers away, and I knew that if I waited, you'd be at risk of infection or worse. I brought you here to ensure you received proper care, even if it's just temporary, at least until you fully recovered."

I nodded slowly, trying to absorb every word he had said. 

The warmth of his presence and the sincere concern in his eyes started to dissolve the edge of fear that had gripped me moments before. "I… I'm grateful," I stammered, reaching out tentatively as if to thank him, though my hand hovered uncertainly above his. "I didn't expect to still be alive."

I could tell that he wanted to know more about the statement I uttered, but he offered a small, reassuring smile, instead. "Sometimes, life has a way of surprising us," he replied. "It may be hard to understand right now, but consider it a blessing. I couldn't in good conscience leave you on that road to die or suffer further."

I let out a shaky laugh, still processing my situation. "I'm just a stranger and the road was a pretty lonely one." I said softly."

He tilted his head as though to get a better look at me. "In times like that, one cannot afford be weighed down by formalities. I merely did what any decent person in my position would do." 

"Now, you need to rest. Your body is trying to heal from the ordeal, and I want you to be as comfortable as possible," he said.

A moment of silence stretched between us, the only sound was the quiet hum of the room's air conditioner and the soft rustle of the sheets as I settle back. 

A part of me remains cautious still. Someone who's been held captive and chased is not quick to lower her guard.

After a few minutes, he stood, smoothing the fabric of his trousers. "I'll leave you now," he announced "but don't worry. A maid will come shortly with something for you to eat, and I will check on you again soon." 

Before he stepped out of the room, I called out to him, "Wait," my voice trembled slightly as I summon the strength to speak. 

"May I ask, what is your name?"

He paused at the door, glancing back with a smile, "It's Marion."

I felt a blush spread across my cheeks at the formality of the answer and the way his voice held just a hint of amusement. 

"Thank you very much, Marion," I murmured, my voice soft with gratitude and something that almost sounds like relief. "I'm sorry that I was a bit paranoid earlier."

He chuckled lightly, the sound stirring up strange feeling in me. He shook his head as though dismissing my apology with kindness. "There's nothing to be sorry for, Selena. It's completely natural to be wary when you're in the midst of a stranger. I do not know how your injuries came about, but I must promise you that no harm will come to you while you are here."

I nodded. His words feel like a balm, soothing the raw edges of my panic. 

He reached out and gently squeeze my hand it was warm. "Now, try to get some sleep. When you wake, you might feel a little better. I'll be back to check on you soon."

With that, he stepped out of the room, leaving behind strong scent of a woody perfume. 

I settled back under the covers, and could hear as he gave out orders.

I closed my eyes, wanting to savor this period of rest as much as I could. Nut the moment my lids close, the bodies of my family sprawled out on our tiled floor filled my mind.

I could see Gonzalo as he hovered over them with a sinister smile on his face. I wanted to scream, lurch at him and curse him for all the pain that he is putting me through. But I cannot move, instead I am stuck, as though my feet are glued to the ground. 

I could only but watch as he came towards me with the same sinister grin on his face. 

"Now… you become my captive!" he said as he reached out for me.

"No!!" I screamed, immediately jolting awake.

I looked at my surroundings and realize that it was only but a dream still, I wasn't comforted. I knew that Gonzalo would come for me. Sooner or later but first, I had to reach him. 

I needed to have the upper hand this time. 

Someone knocked on my door, prompting me to look away from the wall I was staring at. One look at myself, and I could see that I was drenched in sweat. In so little time?

"Come on in," I said when the knock came in again.