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Each step feels heavy, my legs shaking under my own weight. The IV needle tugs painfully at the skin on the back of my hand, the tape pulling sharply as I stumble. She steadies me, guiding me forward until I’m safely inside the tiny bathroom.

“I'll wait here,” she says quietly, stepping back and shutting the door to grant me privacy.

I turn slowly toward the cracked mirror above the sink and freeze, breath caught painfully in my chest. My reflection stares back at me—a stranger with bloodied lips, swollen and bruised, her cheek marked by red, angry fingerprints. Tears burn my eyes, tracing slow paths down my dirt-stained cheeks. My blouse is torn, stained dark red, a frightening reminder of the violence I suffered.

I quickly look away, shame pressing heavily against my chest, making it hard to breathe.

Turning carefully toward the toilet, I sit slowly, biting down on my lip to stifle a sharp cry of pain as I lower myself. My heart pounds unevenly, adrenaline sharpening my senses as my eyes fall to the needle still lodged in my vein. I exhale shakily, focusing, remembering those quiet afternoons volunteering with Bea at the church hospital.

I know what to do

Taking a deep breath, I gently peel the tape away. A hiss of pain escapes me as the adhesive pulls at the sensitive skin. Carefully gripping the thin plastic hub of the IV catheter, I slide the needle free. Blood wells slightly at the site, and I quickly press the fabric of my sleeve against it, stemming the flow.

I feel the cross of my rosary as my eyes dart around, looking for a weapon—anything. They settle on the heavy ceramic lid of the toilet tank, solid and thick. I lift it carefully, muscles straining against its unexpected weight. Holding it firmly against my chest, I whisper urgently, desperately:

“Dio, ti prego, aiutami...” Please give me strength.

I shut my eyes briefly, heart hammering wildly against my ribs. I inhale sharply, forcing courage into my voice as I call out, “I am done.”

The door opens slowly. As soon as the woman steps in, I throw the lid toward her with all my strength. She cries out, catching it, but the weight pulls her down hard onto the floor. She screams, trapped underneath it.

Quickly, I grab a bottle of bleach from under the sink and run out the door. My heart pounds so loudly in my ears. I open the bedroom door—and crash right into him. His eyes widen angrily.

“You little—”

Before he can finish, I fling bleach, aiming for his eyes. He jerks his face away, and it hits his ears. Panic drives me forward, down the corridor.

I turn a corner sharply—and slam into another figure. The man stares at me, shock etched into his handsome face. I shove him with all my might, slipping past him as he stumbles backward, confusion slowing his reactions.

Ahead, a massive door appears. Hope flickers in my chest. I yank the handle open and immediately freeze—guards, their backs turned, blocking my escape. My heart sinks, panic clawing at my throat as I slam the door shut again, breath ragged and panicked.

“Get her,” his furious voice echoes from somewhere close behind.

I bolt down the hallway to my left, bare feet slapping painfully against the cold marble floor. My chest heaves, fear propelling me forward.

Suddenly, my hip collides painfully against a heavy wooden sculpture. I stumble, gasping. A creaking sound fills the air—slow, ominous. I lift my eyes just in time to see the towering wooden figure sway precariously, tipping forward to crush me.

I scream, squeezing my eyes shut and raising my arms to shield my head.

But suddenly, warmth surrounds me—a large body envelops mine, arms encasing me tightly.

The sculpture crashes heavily, wood splintering against the broad shoulders shielding me. The force drives us both to the floor, my body pressed beneath his, our breaths mingling in harsh pants.

My eyes fly open, meeting his storm-gray gaze inches from mine. My heart pounds against his chest, trapped beneath his massive frame, our faces are close. He stares down at me, his jaw tight with fury and pain. My breath hitches painfully.

Around us, the hallway falls quiet, leaving only our breaths between us, my heart beating so loud, I fear he can feel it.

Now, I realize how easily he could hurt me.

And yet I feel safe.

Footsteps come up towards us and I turn to see the man I shoved earlier. His face is red and confused.

“Jesus Christ are you two okay?”

Chapter Thirteen – Vieri

Her face is a mess.