Him

All I wanted was to see a little sunshine.  But He won’t let me. I don’t know how long I’ve been in this room.  He gives me food, water, clothing, and warm showers, but all I want is to feel the sun's rays shining on my face.  I miss the outside world. He hasn’t told me his name, I just use the male pronouns, or call Him “you”. Whenever He tries to touch me, I always flinch away.  If I do that though, then He will punish me.  His punishments are cruel.  I still have a line from my cheek to the middle of my chest.   I got that one for saying that the food He gave me was too salty. It’s not like anyone is looking for me.  I was homeless before He got me.  Neither of my parents wanted anything to do with me.  And I have no siblings.  I was all alone.  I have more here than I did out there.  Except for the sun. That was the thing I liked about being homeless.  You were always outside.  It was summer, that only sucked when it got too hot outside, so it was warm and you didn’t have to wear as much.  And the sun.  The sun was the best part about being there.  I took it for granted while I was out there, now I crave it. He never lets me leave the room.  He will come in here and join me for a little while, but He still gets mad when I say something wrong. I never know if what I say is wrong, so after a little while of Him coming in here, I stopped talking.  That made him even more mad.   He tells me that I’m safe here.  He’s trying to “protect me from the outside world”.  I was doing just fine before He got me.  I had people that gave me money for food, I had my own spot under the highway bridge, sure it was loud, but I had a really comfortable blanket.  He didn’t even let me bring it with me.  I had friends that also lived under the bridge, and I even had a dog.  Her name is Charli, Char for short.  She was a golden retriever and she had these beautiful, big eyes. He shot her the day He got me.  As He threw a bag over my head and threw me in His vehicle, all I could hear was Charli’s whining.  It was the worst sound in the world.  Even worse than the scraping of the basement door as He opens it. His loud boots were thumping down the stairs as He slowly makes His way to me.  He stops when he gets about five feet away from me.   He isn’t much older than I am.  I’m only 18 and He’s about 20.  The worst thing is, He looks like a normal guy.  Someone you see walking down the street.  He would most likely make you turn your head to look at Him.   I’m not saying He’s attractive, all I’m saying is He’s not necessarily ugly. He has curly brown hair that’s right above His ears, honey colored eyes, probably around 6’2”, and He has a birthmark right under the left side of His jawline. “Did you make me lunch yet?”  He asked while walking over to sit in His chair. He didn’t put any clocks down here.  I lost track of time a couple days ago, I think. “N-no.  Sorry.  I just didn’t know what time it was.  I’ll get started right away.” “Good.  Don’t burn it this time.” The last time I burnt His food He whipped my back until I passed out from the pain.  Even after I passed out, I’m sure he kept going.   “I went into town today and got you some medicine for your back.” “Thank you.”  I said in a small voice. He seemed to be in a good mood today.  I wonder if I ask to get some fresh air, if He’ll let me.  I don’t want to test my luck right now though.  Maybe after lunch. I make the same thing for lunch everyday; scrambled eggs over toast.  It’s a weird request for lunch, but that’s what He wants so that’s what I make. After I’m done cooking I set everything down on the table, sit down, and start making my plate. “I might be bringing someone here to help you.”  He says casually as he shoves scrambled eggs in His mouth. I look up in surprise.  I don’t want Him to kidnap another girl, but I am kind of lonely down here.  It sounds selfish, but I can’t wait for some company besides Him. As I eat my food I see Him glance at me sometimes.  I try not to make it obvious that it’s making me uncomfortable.  If I do, then He’ll punish me. “Lizbeth.”  I hated the sound of my name coming out of His mouth. I look up from my food at Him. “You did a good job with lunch today.” “Thank you.” “You’ve been doing a good job around here lately.  Is there something I can reward you with?” I make it seem like I’m actually thinking about what I want, but I already know what I want.  “Can I go outside?” He stands from His chair.  “Outside?  Why would you want that?” “I’ve just been cooped up in this room for so long.  It would be nice to have some fresh air…”  I trailed off. He walked over to me and looked at me straight in the eyes, “No.”  Then He walked back upstairs to the main part of the house.