46
Kerina
The light above the doorway doesn’t change, so it is hard to know what time of day it is. Time seems to have paused in this prison space.
The night air is warm as we sit outside our home.
‘Kerina, if anything should happen to us, you must be ready to stand strong on your own.’
Kerina knew the stakes. It had been drilled into her from a young age. She was different. She was valuable. She was Okodee.
‘I understand, Father, but don’t speak such things. Nothing will happen to you or Mother. We are safe here.’
As the memory plays out, I can’t help but wonder when I will feel safe again.
Suddenly, the door swings open to our cell and light floods the room. A man fills the space. He steps closer as Lariel and I both scramble to our feet, ready to defend ourselves.
‘Why are we h
