Nineteen
Mum, you need to wake up.
I love hearing her voice, even though I know it's just an illusion. Ruby's voice is like a light in the darkness that is pressing against me, holding me prisoner. I don't know where I am or what's happening, but hearing my daughter makes me feel a little better.
You're safe now. You need to come back.
I don't know how. There's nothing but darkness. No ground, no air, no life. Not even my old cave. This is worse than my last prison. Will it never end?
Mum, I need your help!
That shocks me from my lethargy. Ruby needs help. She's in danger. I need to do something. I fight against the darkness, struggling against its hold on me.
My daughter needs me.
I cry out and rip the bonds off me, screaming as light pierces the darkness and I can finally open my
