. I reco

uld recognize that face anywhere. It was etched in

ying to save his life, desperate to keep him from dying.

. I saw it as my one chance to experience freedom, even if just for a moment. Gra

was my only view, peeking through thick curtains, watching the neighbors live their lives

een years old and my only solace was the flickering screen of a tele

d by the sea. He was lying motionless on the wet sand, his body battered, his clothes soaked in blood. It was

nging to my feet. "Hey," I called out, barely louder

his chest answered my que

. "Can you hear me? Please wake up!" Nothing. His eyelids remained sh

ed, louder this time, slapping his cheek lightly. His eyelids fluttered, those de

es was blank, distant. Did he even see me at all? Did

he haze of my memories, sharp and commanding. "Who are you?" His

ed, twisting, tryi

, thick with fear, pierced th

, staggered forward, begging for my l

t, but his fingers tangled in my hair remained. "Were you going to

She doesn't understand. Please, forgive her. She kn

let you kill my father?" I spat, ign

m not a monster. Your father owes me, and I've b

ey back," I shot back. "You probabl

Are you trying to g

clever one, aren't you?" His grip tightened just enough to

ime. And this time, I swear, I'll pay back. I'l

h to escape. His arm coiled around my waist,

ggling. His hold on me was unyielding

rmured, amused.

ming down her face as she fell to her knees. "She's all I

miserable home." He gestured to my father. "You said you'd give me anything to save y

seemed

, his arm tightening around me.

the silence. "No! Not my daug

is gun shifted, aiming directly at her ch

, the terror clawing at