New Chance

Without being able to be prevented it, I cried with relief and happiness because, finally, he could come. I shed all the remaining tears in his chest. Keenan hugged me tightly while gently stroking my head.

"I thought you wouldn't come," I whispered through sobs.

The man tightened his grip even more. "I will definitely come for you," said Keenan.

"I thought ... I would die here." I expressed the fear that lodged in my head.

Keenan groaned and let go of his hug. He cupped my face in his hands and looked at me intently. His irises glinted in the darkness of the room.

"Listen to me," he said in a firm tone. "I won't let anyone kill you. I will not. I'm sorry for coming late. I'm sorry because I couldn't prevent Loko or the other bastard from hurting and beating you up," he said thoughtfully.

I looked at him deeply.

Keenan, the person who kidnapped me here, the strange man that I unknowingly started looking for when he was out of sight. The person I was waiting for was in front of me, holding my hand tightly, hugging me tightly, and comforting me with his words. The person who at first I cursed and swore to die quickly now becomes my support when I'm injured. What kind of scenario has God prepared for me? I feel like fate is taking a joke with me.

I didn't know where to get the courage; I touched that face. A face decorated with several scars. Sculpture that was initially my nightmare but not with beautiful eyes whose glare can turn my world upside down.

With presumptuousness, I leaned closer to the body that gave off a familiar scent in my nose. I brought his face closer to mine so that the only dividing line between us was the sound of breath and pounding of the heart. The bang is so crazy, as crazy as what I'm doing at this second. My consciousness was at its limit, as was my sanity. Even the tiredness of my legs that support my body as if doesn't feel it anymore when the adrenaline takes over.

And I kissed his lips.

Keenan looked a little surprised, but he let me touch him, allowing me to feel the warmth of his lips. It took a few seconds before his defense was released. The man groaned softly before nudging the nape of my neck with his warm palm.

However, the stinging pain from my lip bleeding from Loko's punch yesterday bothered me a little. I winced and hissed, holding back the pain. At that moment, Keenan pushed my shoulder and my face away. His eyes fixed on my lips in a glance staring at me with a gaze that was difficult to decipher.

"Don't do it again. Your lip is still bleeding," he said firmly. He seemed to disapprove of my actions just now. He kissed my forehead before gently shaking my shoulder.

"Look." Keenan looked at me sharply. "We don't have much time. I will get you out of here right now. We have to do it fast, and I need you to run. Can you run for a bit?"

It took a few seconds to digest what he said that sounded in my ear.

Get out? Get out of this house? For real?

My world that was originally collapsing began to be nurtured again slowly.

"You will … set me free?"

In my heart, I don't want to expect much. But I can't deny that my ego wants it to come true. I hope Keenan will keep his promise to me this time.

"Yes, Minka," she answered firmly. "Right now. Can you run?"

I grinned widely and answered enthusiastically, ignoring my piercing ribs. "I can," I said.

Keenan smiled contentedly. He let go of me and walked towards the door. I tried to stand straight and almost swayed if I didn't hold on to the pillar in front of me. I try again to walk step by step. I squeezed my stomach and groaned slowly.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

He looked at me worriedly, and I nodded my head in response. I have to be able to endure this pain of mine. I pursed my lips and bit my tongue hard to hold it in.

Keenan looked outside for a few seconds, then went back in.

"Safe. You must follow me. Follow my orders," he said. "If I say bow, then you must bow. If I say run, then you must run. Do you understand?"

I nodded firmly. Even though he looked unsure, Keenan gave a faint smile to encourage me. He reached out and held my hand tightly.

It's time. It's time for me to leave this accursed place. It's time for me to be free. It's time for me to see the world I've lost.

"Now."

Keenan took me out of the room with his left hand holding a black bag and his right hand holding mine tightly.

We walked stealthily along the corridors of this house.

I'm not running. More precisely, trying to drag my feet, limping with wide steps so I can keep up with Keenan's footsteps which are too fast for me. I understand that he had to walk quickly, fearing that someone would catch us. At least he was still carrying me, leading me towards the door.

As soon as we came to the turn, we ran into one of the men who had beaten me the other day. He was carrying a water bottle in his hand and walking staggered. The man looks very drunk.

"Who is she, Zo?"

The person asked with a chuckle. Like yesterday when he hit me. Same laugh.

The memories hit and made a feeling of tightness in my chest. I tried to get rid of it and replaced it with the worry that this plan would fail. I grabbed Keenan's hand and pressed my body behind him.

"Loko told me to. She is part of me," said Keenan flatly but implied an unpleasant tone. Sounds more like a threat.

"You think I'm fucking stupid? You think I'll be fooled by your alibi?"

I held my breath at those words.

"She's not yours! You're lying!"