Escape

The stale bread crumbles into pieces on the roof of Liam’s mouth. He takes a small sip of water from the wooden cup, but the mixture of dirty water only makes the bread soggy and sticky. The bread becomes a damp lump of rock. He can’t swallow because it catches in his throat. Liam coughs. Rosaline hits his back with her palm. He catches his breath, tears collecting at the corners of his eyes.

“Better?” asks Rosaline with concern in her voice.

“Yes, thanks,” says Liam as he breathes fresh gulps of air through his open mouth.

It is past an hour since the guard has brought them their breakfast. Rosaline nods to Liam indicating she is ready for their plan. As the guard approaches Cell 3, Rosaline moans in pain. She holds her stomach doubling over while grasping the cell bars with one hand. Liam stands next to her fanning air into her face.

“What is the meaning of this?” asks the guard as he sweeps the torchlight on them.

` “She is feeling unwell,” says Liam.