I take a deep breath, watching the drops cascade down onto the concrete and leaving dark marks all around her. My smile dissipates as I feel the happiness drain from her.
I don’t want her to feel this way.
No one should.
So I get off the bed and tread toward her. Normally, she’d immediately look at me, probably wanting to know what I’m going to do. Not now, though. No, she’s still staring at the ceiling in a way that makes me think she’s given up.
Like her fighter spirit is leaving her slowly but surely.
I can’t let that happen.
She can’t give up.
I place my hand on the glass and wait until she looks at me. But the longer I wait, the more I start to worry. So I place another one against the glass, still staring at her.
She might give up, but I won’t.
I won’t ever give up on her or myself.
I rest my forehead against the glass and look down at the body of the girl who came here after me, not knowing what would happen. I know what will happen. He told me a long time ago why she would be here.
I swallow as my gut feels constricted and my chest tight.
This girl … she doesn’t even know why she’s here. Am I even allowed to tell her? Should I?
It’ll probably only make it worse.
So even though it kills me to see her like this, I don’t.
She’s just lying there, motionless … glaring at the specks on the concrete ceiling with eyes that are emptier than this room.
And I realize, then and there, I can’t do a single thing about her situation.
All I can do is wait while gazing at her, hoping she might one day look back at me with the same gaze.
Because I will keep on looking. As hard as I can. As long as I can.
I won’t give up.
Even if she does.
I won’t give her up.
And from the way she briefly glances at me with reddened eyes, I can tell she knows.
Accompanying Song: “Miss Sloane Solo” by Max Richter
Ella
I can’t stop crying.
I don’t know why. It just keeps coming and coming like an endless stream of sorrow.
It’s as if the realization of my situation has finally settled in.
As if I’ve finally come to terms with the fact I’m stuck here and might not get out.
And that hopelessness … it feels like death.
I wipe away some of the tears, but it’s no use. My whole body is shaking as I lie on the floor, wondering why I should go on. It’s been days … how much more can I live through? In the darkness, nothing can console me.
Except him …
The man standing behind the glass, holding up his hands as if he’s trying to reach me.
He sought me out on his own, and I don’t quite know how to respond.
It doesn’t matter how long I ignore him or how long I keep crying. He refuses to let me be.
Instead, his gaze only becomes stronger, boring into mine like he wants to dig into my soul.
And for some reason, I want to look back.
Once.
Only once, but it’s enough.
The gentle giant I see in front of me is trying to make me feel better … and for that single moment, it’s enough.
It’s what I need to smile.
If only for one single moment.
It’s enough to make me feel like I’m not alone.
And for that, I’m grateful.
Chapter Six
Accompanying Song: “Jungle” by X Ambassadors & Jamie N Commons
Ella
I only just finished my breakfast and washed my face when noises behind me make me look around. Mr. Unknown is sliding some metal bars out of the ceiling.
What the hell is that for?
I didn’t even know they were there to begin with. Does my cage have them too?
I look up, but there’s nothing there. Odd.
But what’s even odder is that when I look at him again, he’s taking off his tank top.
And oh God … the muscles that appear from underneath still make me gulp.
He throws it on the floor and starts jumping up and down in his cage, waving his hands and legs while he’s at it. Jumping jacks? Really?
He keeps going until his body glistens and his breathing becomes hard and loud. Then he switches to the bars hanging from the ceiling, lifting himself up. He can do complete body pull-ups as if it’s a cake walk. And for some reason, I can’t stop staring.
That is, until he glances my way, and our eyes lock.
Embarrassed, I immediately grab my book and pretend to read. I know he knows I wasn’t. And I know he saw me looking.
From the corner of my eye, I see him grin briefly before returning to his pull-ups.
Only this time, he’s doing it with one hand.
Jesus Christ. He’s like a beast. An animal in human form.
His abs twitch with every pull-up, sweat dripping down his body, and his face is all scrunched up. I can honestly say it’s one of the most beastly things I’ve ever seen. Sexy, even. And somehow, I can’t stop staring.