Eric left.
I stood there staring at the door.
"Are you okay" Arin said gently.
I froze.
For a second... I thought about telling him everything.
About what Eric did.
But I couldn't.
I just stayed quiet.
Arin stepped closer, studying my face.
You can tell me, if something is wrong.
He said softly.
I'm fine, I whispered.
Arin didn't look convinced.
"I won't force you," Arin said after a pause.
His words made my chest tighten.
I looked up at him...
but still, no words came out.
Should I trust him...?
Or is he just like the others?
Then he nodded slowly.
"Alright."
"Just be careful," he added quietly.
"Come downstairs and have breakfast."
Breakfast..?
For a second, I thought I heard him wrong.
This place didn't feel like somewhere people casually had breakfast.
"Breakfast...?" I repeated.
"Yeah..." He said calmly.
"You will need energy... if you want to survive here."
His words sent a chill down my spine.
Survive.....
I didn't reply.
He opened the door ---
Don't take too long, he added,
"Boss doesn't like waiting. "
He was gone.
I stood there.
Should I go....?
Or stay here.... where at least I felt a little safer ?
But deep down...
I knew one thing----
In this place... hiding wasn't an option.
After a while... I stepped out.
Walked down the silent hallway.
Every step echoing.
I reached the dinning hall.
And froze.
A long table. Perfectly set.
Arin was there.
Eric too-- like nothing ever happened.
And at the end of the table -- The Boss.
"Come," Arin said softly.
I slowly sat down.
All eyes on me.
"Eat," the boss said calmly .
I hesitated. What If --
Something wrong?
I picked up the fork.
Took a bite.
"Good," he said.
Good what ? I whispered.
That you didn't hesitate too long .
I never choose this, I said quietly.
His hand slammed on the table.
"Choice".. his voice turned cold, dangerous.
You think we have choices?
My heart started racing again.
Arin quickly spoke---
" Boss."
But the boss raised his hand.
Silence again.
Then slowly...
He looked back at me.
You will learn he said quietly.
I felt trapped.
Like there was no way out.
But then under the table...
Something touched my hand.
I flinched slightly
It wasn... Arin.
He slipped something into my palm.
I didn't react.
Didn't look at him.
But my heart was pounding.
What did he just give me...?
And why....?