In waters deep

Chapter one

Once the blindfold was removed, Hyun-Jae took in her surroundings in a series of glances. The only source of light leaked through a small window covered in bars. A dark figure with a black mask stood near her. He came closer, the smell of alcohol on his breath. She wanted to scream but she felt tape preventing her, thirst threatening her throat. Oh god. Please no!

The figure reached out its hand to caress her face. No. Please. She closed her eyes tightly, heart hammering in her chest. He’s going to hurt me. I'm going to die, hopelessness engulfed her thoughts. “don’t be afraid. I promise I won't hurt you.” The figure whispered in her ear.

Her breathing became shallow, as she took in gasps of air. The man's clothing was splattered with blood. Blood. Real blood. Bile rises in her. He’s going to kill me.

Just like whoever he killed before me. The panic coiled around her throat, as if a snake was strangling her. Constricting her breathing, squeezing and tightening every second.

Oh god. I’m going to be murdered j-just like them. The fear tore at her soul. Until it was in pieces. Her heart slammed in her rib cage , as she began to feel dizzy. Mom. She’s probably wondering where I am. If I don’t survive this, I’ll never see her again.

She took in a shaky sob. I can't die here. She began to thrash her body erratically. I have to live! I have to escape! She pulled at the rope until her wrists and ankles were on the edge of bleeding.

No! I can’t die here. She tried to fight the immediate despair. I can..I can bite through it. I’ll make it..I’ll...It was likely she’d never escape.

He was stronger than her. Her hands were bound tightly. The windows were bared.

The only exit blocked.

I’m going to die here. The realization she may never make it home hit her. I will never see my mother again. The room seemed to spin.

She felt herself giving in to despair. The figure studied her closely. The man grabbed her chin. “I need you to obey everything I tell you. If you want to live.” He says. She trembled as he removed the tape slowly. His hands were rough andcallous.

She watched in numbed horror. He’s really going to kill me. I'll never play another recital again. I’ll never be able to find out the truth.

I’m going to die here. “Please don’t kill me!” She sobs. He froze watching her. Her mind tried its best to distract her from the fear of death. She thought instead of her mother's sternness as she practiced piano for hours before her latest recital.

She ate, drank, and slept thinking of the piano. I'll never get the chance to play again, she thought, panic settling in. She let out a small whimper. “It's okay, don't cry.” The deep voice said. Her eyes brimmed with tears.

She turned her face away from his piercing eyes.“I'm here to help you”. He ripped the tape off leaving a red mark on her face.

She felt the remains of the sting lasting on her face. “Please-please don't hurt me”. she begged, lowering her head. “Whatever I did I am sorry, please let me live.”

She shouted voice breaking. “I won’t hurt you, but you need to do everything I say.” She shook her head, as she quivered. I can’t die here. She gulped back her tears.

I have to survive. She thought. Whatever it takes. The man pulled a small bottle from his pocket. “To make sure I need you to take this.” She cautiously took the bottle, swallowing it whole, the room began to blur as everything grew dark.