nothing. It only serves as a place to hold me captive from the life I once lived. From the life I’d grown to know in just a few short weeks—a life with him.
I need to find a way out of this mess, out of this god for-fucking-saken hole.
Staring at the small intricate roots weaving through the wall of my prison, I wonder what plant they belong to. I’m too deep for a flower, but maybe it’s the very far roots of a tree? An oak tree, strong and beautiful. Soaking up the sun and fresh air every day while I’m stuck in this fucking place.
How the hell did I get down here anyway? They probably fucking threw me… wouldn’t put it past them. Everything hurt when I first woke up.
I cringe when I hear Dale’s voice. He has become the cruelest in the last few days. Almost like he is punishing me for learning his name. He’s constantly throwing water down at me, withholding food, and playing other mind games for his pleasure.
Dale is talking to someone. As I listen closer, I realize that it’s not any of my usual guards. It’s someone new. A tiny spark of hope forms in my chest. Maybe someone kinder, someone who would help me. It’s unlikely, but I have to at least try.
“Is there a chance I could possibly get a shower someday… like soon… maybe?” I yell up, hoping for the new guy’s pity.
“A golden shower, maybe?” Dale jokes.
“A regular shower would work.”
“Only if you suck my dick first.” Dale laughs.
“No, thank you, asshole…” I mutter under my breath, throwing myself against the dirt-covered wall. Where are we exactly? There is no way they can keep me in here forever. Someday, I will have to be released, right? Anxiety creeps up on me fast. What if I’m really down here until I die? What if this place is the last I ever see?
I dig my nails into the dirt as if to root myself into the wall. I can’t think this way. I’ll be okay. I can do this. I’m strong. My breaths are coming in and out at an outrageous pace, my chest heaving with every inhale as I sink to the ground. My chest feels as if my lungs are going to collapse at any second, the dirt surrounding me becoming my grave.
“Calm down, piccolo.” I hear those words every time I close my eyes. His deep voice basks me in a river of heat. Just thinking about him causes my heart to beat erratically.
I can do this—I have to do this. Standing up, I pace the small hole. I need to find a way out. I need to do something even if it’s dangerous. If I don’t, I surely will die down here.
Quietness surrounds me. The only sounds I hear are the chirping of the birds, and my own heartbeat. Where the hell did they go? Someone always stays up there. They haven’t left me alone once.
“Hey, fuckers, why so quiet? Are you making out up there or something?” I scream, hoping for some kind of reaction, but I’m only met with more silence.
“You are all a bunch of cowards. You think you are a man because you can keep me in this hole?” I continue on, my voice holding so much anger and hate.
Minutes pass, and realization kicks in that they really did leave me alone. Fear wraps around my throat, making it hard to breathe. Did they leave me to die? No, that can’t be true. They are just playing more mind games. They are up there, I know it.
“Answer me, cowards. I’ve taken on bigger fucking men than you. You’re all sad excuses of the mafia, FBI, or whatever the fuck it is you do…”
More quiet, great. I huff out a breath just before I hear the new guy’s voice. “You are really fucking mouthy…”
He has no clue. “Come down here and say that. We’ll see how mouthy I can be…” I’m baiting him. Looking up, I find him standing at the edge of the hole, looming over me like he holds my life in his palm.
“I figured after weeks in here, I’d find you broken. I guess I was fucking wrong.” He chuckles. I’m certain he hasn’t been here before, but there is also something familiar about him. The mask he is wearing is muffling his voice, but I’m certain I know that voice.
“No one will break me, especially not cowards like you all,” I