9 Memories (2)

I hear Liu Wei calling my name. But he sounds so far away. I can't get up, everything is dark. Are my eyes closed? Is that why?

Even if I try my hardest to open them they won't. I'm scared. I cant tell where I am.

Suddenly I see a tall man. I ran towards him. I don't know who he is. But if he's here he should help me right? It's weird i'm not in the water anymore and i'm running towards a man. I'm so confused. He seems familiar but I don't know who he is. I'm not trying to run, I just am. This feels like a memory of some sort. Like I already made the decision and am just living through it again.

I got up to the man. He was taller than me but still on the shorter side for a grown man. He's smiling at me. I want to go with him he looks really nice. But I know better than that. I can't go with strangers that would be dangerous.

He tried to grab my wrist so I ran. He didn't look nice anymore. He ran after me. His face contorted with anger. His legs were longer than mine. So he was easily able to grab onto me. I struggled but he was so much stronger. What could I do?

He put me in his car. I didn't know how to get out. I tried to open the door but it was locked. I look out the back window hoping my family will help me. But they are just standing there. They should run and come help me. What are they doing? This man is taking me.I need help. I started crying but I couldn't speak. Why are they leaving me?

The man drove for a long time. We then were in a big city away from the place I lived with my parents.

We lived on a big farm. With lots of land but no animals. Except horses. Plenty of trees though and there was a big river. I love it there. I want to go back.

But I only remember living there till I was 10 then we moved. Into the big city.

But I don't remember this. I don't remember a man taking me away from my family.

We arrived in a place known as Beijing. He got out of the car. Then came to my side to get me out as well. I didn't struggle this time. I wouldn't be able to get away even if I did.

Now I could tell this is me and i'm really young that's why I don't remember. Liu Wei talking about how he met me triggered it and now it's all coming back to me. In great detail. I remember everything perfectly now.

He took me into an apartment building it wasn't bad looking and it was only us in the place.

"Mr. why am I here? Why did you take me?"

I could tell I was scared when I asked him. He didn't seem like the nice person I ran to early. He was different. So different.

He hit my head and I was pushed into the wall.

"Ugh little girl. You're so annoying. Don't speak anymore. And I won't hit you understand? You're parents had a price to pay. So I took you till they can pay it."

He grabbed my hair and forced me to stand up. It hurt so bad. He brought me to a room, it was empty. No bed or anything only a clock on the wall. He then pushed me inside.

"Make sure to never speak again."

He slammed the door closed and locked it from the outside.

I couldn't yell because that was speaking and I didn't want to be hit.

He came in 2 hours later and threw a blanket and apple at me.

"Eat. It won't be good if you die. After you finish take a shower and go to sleep."

I ate the apple silently. Then I got up and went to find the bathroom.

When I saw myself I could tell I was around 4. Liu Wei said he met me when I was 5. So then I'll have to wait a year or so to meet him. I must've been talking about this bad guy when he saved me. Was he the one who brought me back home after this man took me. Then I somehow lost my memory? The poor little me doesn't know anything. He'll save you soon. Just wait.

I put back on my old clothes. Then suddenly the man came in and threw a suitcase at me it landed on me and hit my head. I started to bleed. But he didn't care.

"These are your clothes. Don't expect me to buy you anything little girl."

He closed the door and locked it from the outside again. I pushed the heavy suitcase off off me. I couldn't do anything for the blood that was coming from my head. I took off my clothes and put on the new ones. I used the old shirt to see if that would work as a bandage for my head.

I hear crying. But it's so far away the man wouldn't be crying, so who is it? Where are they? Are they okay?

"Wake up. Please wake up."

Someone was telling me to wake up.

I want to wake up too. I don't want to remember all of this. I'm scared. Really scared.