Chapter 140
A supposed walk to freedom.
Lily’s POV:
I pace back and forth in my cell, my mind racing with worry and fear. I had been counting on Sarah to help me, to protect me from the dangers that lurk in the shadows of the prison.
But now, as the days pass and no one comes to my aid, I feel abandoned and betrayed.
“Sarah promised me she would help me,” I mutter to myself, my voice trembling.
“She promised me she would keep me safe. But now, it seems like she’s just another liar, another person who only cares about herself.” I thought.
I do not want it to look like she was using me all along.
I felt anger and frustration. I had put my trust in Sarah, and now it seems like that trust was misplaced.
I think about all the times she told me to be patient, to wait for the right moment to help me, but now, it seems like that moment will never come.
As I pace, my mind races with thoughts of how i wanted to leave, I heard Tammy my cellmate making some sounds and muttering inaudible words.
“Will you shut up!” I yelled because I was also having a hard time when I realized she was speaking about Sarah.
“She is using you to get her ticket out of jail she is just using you to get her ticket out of jail.” I looked at Tammy and watched her repeat those words.
With no iota of doubt, I believed her. She was right.
Now, I know won’t be easy, but I’m in desperate place.
I have to get out of this place, no matter what it takes. I certainly can’t rely on Sarah anymore, so I’ll have to rely on myself.
With newfound determination, I begin to scan my cell, looking for any weakness, any opportunity to escape.
I know it’s a long shot, but I’m willing to try anything. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to survive.
I’m trapped, but I refuse to give up. I’ll find a way out, even if it’s the last thing I do.
My heart raced as I pace back and forth in my cell, my mind racing with anxiety.
Today’s the day I’m supposed to testify against my traffickers, the ones who exploited and abused me for so long.
But that was not close to what I wanted now, but my total freedom from this prison.
I needed to find a way that I will be free even though it is to be granted bail.
But as I sit here, waiting for the guards to take me to the courtroom, I can’t help but feel a sense of hopelessness.
What is the point of testifying, anyway? I am still stuck in this place, locked up like a criminal.
I thought cooperating with the authorities during the arrest, would at least get me out of here, but it seems like no one’s in a hurry to release me.
I felt frustration and despair. I risked so much to inform the authority against the traffickers, and this is how I am repaid?
By being kept in a cell, treated like a prisoner? It doesn’t seem fair.
But as I hear the guards approaching, I know I have to push aside my doubts and fears.
I took a deep breath, square my shoulders, and prepare to face whatever lies ahead. I will testify, no matter what. I will make sure my traffickers pay for what they did. And maybe, just maybe, it’ll be enough to set me free.
As I am led into the courtroom, my heart racing with anxiety and thoughts of how I would make the judge pardon me.
Just then, I suddenly feel a wave of dizziness wash over me. I stumbled, with my vision blurring, and collapsed to the floor.
“Ahh!” I cry out, trying to make it sound as convincing as possible.
“I… I can’t breathe!” I screamed.
The guards rush to my side, concern etched on their faces.
“Lily, what’s wrong?” one of them asks, helping me sit up.
I take a few deep breaths, trying to appear fragile and vulnerable.
“I… I just feel so lightheaded,” I stammer.
“I don’t think I can do this.” I told them.
The judge looks at me with a mixture of annoyance and concern.
“Very well,” he said.
“We’ll adjourn the court for today. Take her back to her cell and get her some medical attention.” He added.
I nodded weakly, trying to look as pitiful as possible. As the guards lead me out of the courtroom, I can’t help but feel a sense of triumph. I’ve bought myself some time, at least. And maybe, just maybe, I can use this to my advantage.
As I am wheeled into the hospital on a stretcher, I felt a sense of relief wash over me like a warm wave.
I am finally out of that cold, bleak jail cell, with its harsh fluorescent lights and unforgiving steel bars.
I won’t have to go back to that place for a while, and the thought fills me with a sense of joy and liberation.
The hospital room is a welcome oasis, a haven of comfort and care. The soft beeps of machines and the gentle hum of the air conditioning are a soothing balm to my frazzled nerves.
I felt like I can finally exhale, finally relax, after weeks of tension and stress.
The nurse walks up to me.
A kind faced woman with a warm smile, helps me into a comfortable bed, adjusting the pillows and blankets with a gentle touch.
She takes my vital signs, her hands moving with a confident precision, and asks me a few questions, her voice soft and reassuring.
I play along, pretending to be weak and vulnerable, exaggerating my symptoms for effect. I know it’s not the most noble thing to do, but I’m desperate to stay out of that prison, even if it means feigning illness.
As the nurse leaves to get me some water, I can’t help but smile to myself.
I have temporarily escaped the prison, and I’m determined to make the most of it.
I will play the role of the fragile, vulnerable victim for as long as I need to, until I can figure out my next move.
For now, I’ll just enjoy the small luxuries of a soft bed, a warm blanket, and the freedom to move around without chains on my ankles. I’ll savor the taste of freedom, no matter how fleeting it may be and plan how my next agenda will be like.