Vanessa
I inhale deeply, but the air barely fills my lungs, like it’s never enough. My chest rises, my stomach clenches, and still, the thick fabric over my head suffocates me.
Breathe, Vanessa.
Panic strangles me in the dark. The rough rope cutting into my wrists burns my skin. Trapped in the trunk of this car, I hear myself whimper in horror.
A sharp turn throws me against one side. A second later, a hard brake sends me sliding to the other.
Then, we stop.
I hear movement from the front. My heart pounds against my ribs as the car doors open.
“Get her out.”
I curl up tighter in the cramped space, but I know hiding won’t save me. The trunk opens, and a gust of fresh air hits my face.
A hand grabs my arm — rough, unyielding — and drags me out of the car. I stumble, still blinded, f
