Chapter 26: Hostage
Sarah’s head was pounding when she slowly opened her eyes. Everything was dark and cold. She tried to move but realized her hands were tied behind her back with rough rope that scratched her skin. Her feet were also tied together.
"Where am I?" she whispered to herself, trying to remember what happened.
The last thing she remembered was being in her father’s house, then the loan sharks taking her. One of them had hit her face so hard that she passed out. Now she was somewhere that smelled like fish and saltwater.
As her eyes got used to the darkness, Sarah could see she was inside some kind of metal container. There were small holes near the top that let in a little bit of light and air. She could hear the sound of water moving and ships in the distance.
"The seaport," she realized. "They brought me to the seaport."
Sarah tried to sit up properly, but it was hard with her hands tied. That’s when she heard something that made her freeze.
Crying. Soft, scared crying coming from somewhere nearby.
"Hello?" She called out quietly. "Is someone there?"
The crying stopped for a moment, then a weak voice answered. "Who... who are you?"
Sarah’s eyes adjusted more, and she could see shapes in the darkness. There were other people in the container with her. Other women.
"My name is Sarah," she said gently. "Are you okay?"