Her head throbbed, a relentless pounding that blurred the edges of her thoughts. How many days… No, how many years have I been here? Pain radiated through every inch of her body, a constant reminder of her suffering. Will this torment ever end? Please… someone… help me…

Her half-lidded eyes remained fixed on the door, her frail body barely capable of movement.

Then—

BANG!

The door, the same one she had stared at for years, crashed open with a deafening sound. Wood splintered, dust swirled in the dim light. Her heavy eyelids fluttered as she tried to make out the figure standing in the doorway. Her vision swam, her strength waning.
“Who…?” The whispered word barely left her lips before darkness swallowed her whole.
. .
A strange warmth surrounded her, unfamiliar yet soothing. Soft fabric brushed against her skin, and for the first time in years, she felt… safe.

Why do I feel comfortable?

Her eyes opened slowly. Then she gasped.
Without thinking, she pulled the blanket over herself, shielding her body. “What are you doing?!” she yelled, her voice hoarse.
The man standing before her remained still, his gaze unreadable beneath the mask he wore. He didn’t lash out. He didn’t strike her for raising her voice.

Why isn’t he hitting me? Shouldn’t he?
“Hey, it’s okay,” he said, his tone calm. “You’re safe here. I’m not a bad guy. I was just doing my job when I found you there.” He hesitated, eyes scanning her bruised form. “What were you doing in that place? Chained up like that?”
A tremor ran through her body. She prayed he wouldn’t notice.

He noticed.

“I…” The words caught in her throat. How could she explain something she barely understood herself? “I was… Gabriel’s… thing.”
His eyes darkened. “What do you mean by that?”

She swallowed hard, fingers clutching the blanket. “My father… he couldn’t pay his debt. So he sold me to Gabriel.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “And now I’m his. He can do whatever he wants with me… because I belong to him.”

A heavy silence filled the room before he asked, “How long?”

She exhaled shakily. “I don’t know… it’s been so long since I saw the outside world. I thought I’d never see sunlight again.” Her gaze drifted to the window. “What year is it?”

“2025.”

“Oh…” A bitter chuckle escaped her lips. “Six years, huh? That means… I’m twenty-two now.”
His posture stiffened. “That long?” His eyes lingered on the bruises marring her skin.

Gently, he reached out, fingers grazing one of them. “Are these… all from him?”

She flinched. “Not just him… others too.” Her voice trembled. “They used me. I was supposed to be sold off to another man today.” A sudden realization struck her, and she recoiled, her breath hitching. “Are you… that man?”

Even with the mask, she could see his confusion.

“What? No.” His voice was firm. “I don’t know who you think I am, but I’m not him.” He reached into a bag and placed a tray beside her. “Here. Eat. Take the medicine. Get some rest. I have work to do.” Without another word, he turned and left.

The door shut behind him, leaving her in silence.

And yet… his absence felt heavier than it should have.

Her eyes drifted to the food he left behind. Hesitantly, she picked up the spoon, bringing a small bite to her lips. The warmth of it spread through her, unfamiliar, overwhelming.

Tears welled up in her eyes.

She didn’t even know why she was crying.
Brushing them away, she continued eating in silence. When the meal was finished, exhaustion weighed her down. She curled up beneath the blanket, letting herself drift into slumber.

How could a life so filled with suffering suddenly feel… peaceful?
Could I even be happy again?
And him… will he truly be different?