The door opened again after what felt like forever. I was still tied spread open, body burning from the belt marks. Every breath made my red skin sting worse. Tears had dried on my face but new ones kept coming.
A woman walked in this time. She looked maybe forty, with dark hair pulled back tight and a plain black dress. She carried a tray with warm water, cloths, and creams. She did not look at my face at first. She kept her eyes down like she was scared too.
She set the tray on the table and started to untie the cuffs. Her hands were gentle but quick. When my arms and legs were free I tried to sit up but my muscles screamed. She helped me slowly, letting me lean on her.
"I am Maria," she said softly. "I will clean you up now."
I did not speak. I just let her work. She wiped my body w
