Stories by Amber Bristow
Silent Pleas
At first, it didn't feel real. I felt as if I had woken up in a dream.
I could smell fresh linens, as if mother had emptied the dryer that morning. I could almost hear her footsteps coming up the stairs as I came to, ready to be greeted by the fresh scent of ground coffee.
The thin cotton sheet draped over my eyes, blocking out the morning sun. It reminded me of the many times I had spent hiding beneath the covers, reluctant to move from the cosy warm nest I had slept in that night.
For a moment, I felt light and at peace; as if I were starting the day as I had done years prior - blissfully unaware of what was waiting for me behind the curtain.
The comforting blanket of childhood memories soon faded, as the sound of a car engine roared from beyond. I reached to remove the cover from my eyes, only to feel resistance against my wrists. I shifted left to right until the sheet from my eyes fell, revealing that I was not in a dream, but instead a nightmare.
My chest grew tighter as my breaths became shorter. I felt my heart race as a flush of heat washed over me. I frantically moved from side to side, trying to move away from the cold metal chair beneath me, but I was bound.
A pair of beading hands wrapped around my face from behind. Their pressure increasing with every movement I made. The faint smell of cologne and cigarettes loomed in the air as my eyes widened. The man who held my face sniggered, letting out a peculiar hum with each breath he released.
No words were uttered, but I knew it was him.
Rory's aroma prickled my lungs with each breath I took. My lip quivered beneath his hand as I tried to conceal my fear, not wishing to give him any satisfaction in my pain.
I sat in silence as he removed his hand, stepping into my line of vision. My eyes turned to glass as he smiled demonically, watching as the colour drained from my face.
I wasn't the only one here.
Elisa sat behind him, bound to a chair with cable ties and linens. Her eyes brimmed with tears as she slowly began to shake her head.
I let out a cry as Rory stepped back, laughing in malevolence. Her top had been torn, revealing her bloodied collarbone and bruised upper arm. Her body was shaking as she braced herself, picking at the wool on her tights.
Rory's eerie laughter echoed through the walls as he journeyed through the building, picking up metal instruments that caused a chill to run down my spine. With a subtle nod, I gestured toward my bound wrists, hoping she would understand my plea.
I started to twist and contort my body, gripping at the chairs metal frame and bending my wrists in an effort to break the ties. I grimaced in pain as I felt them pierce my flesh, refusing to let one sound leave my lips.
Elisa watched anxiously, her eyes never leaving my hands. She started to mimic my movements, using her bound hands to search for anything she could use nearby.
In time, I felt the ties snap. I quickly moved to Elisa's aid, carefully slicing through her restraints with what remained of mine. As the last tie fell away, she scurried to her feet and grabbed me, burying her face into my chest.
I placed my forehead against hers and took in a deep breath. She followed my lead and her breathing soon steadied. With a faint smile, she looked up at me, silently thanking me through her soft hazel eyes. She was so pure and innocent; yet so frightened and hurt. There was nothing more important to me in that moment, than getting her out of there alive.
I grabbed her hand and pointed toward the window. She nodded in agreement and tip toed behind me as we made our way towards the light.
The room stood still and eerily quiet as we approached, treading carefully on each floorboard, trusting it could carry the weight of our escape.
I felt my hands begin to tremor as I reached out to touch the windowpane, hoping that with just one push we could be free.
Before my finger tips reached the frame, the sound of footsteps returned. This time they were heavy, fuelled with rage and an unjust sense of authority.
I grasped at the latch and the metal frame creaked open, just enough to feel the breeze from outside leak through. As the footsteps grew louder, I pushed harder, holding my breath as the frame scratched against the ledge. Tears began to fall down my face as I threw my body weight against the glass.
With the first thrust, I could feel the cold air wash over my skin. With the second, I could hear the murmurs of people from down below. With the third, I could see the drain pipe we needed to escape.
In a frantic rush, I reached down, grabbed Elisa, and pushed her onto the window ledge, guiding her arm in the direction she needed to climb. She reached out for me - but it was too late.
Rory ran back into the room, growling like a feral creature before tackling me to the ground. In his hand he held a metal pipe, one he used to strike me as Elisa began to howl.
He stood above me, fuelled by rage, lifting the pipe up once more.
I locked eyes with Elisa and smiled softly, using my strength to point towards the window. Gripping at her heart, she nodded, wiping her eyes before more tears flooded through.
With each strike, I became weaker, my consciousness becoming more and more hazed. I stared at the window until she was out of sight, and smiled one last time as Rory lifted his fists above me.
As I closed my eyes, all went silent. The smell of fresh linens returned as Mother's footsteps echoed faintly in the distance.
We were reunited once more; watching over our final kin as she sought aid.