Book 1: Chapter 21

Gabriella placed her hand on her stomach, it was the fifth time it was rumbling again. At first, she had planned to endure and remain silent but by noon, she couldn't control herself anymore. 

She had called out Maria's name just as Maria had instructed her to do last night but no one showed up, even when she felt someone was coming in, it was just the sound of footsteps passing by. 

She held the handle of the cage, the darkness of the room consuming her, As she stood there, the air heavy with the scent of old wood and neglect, a memory, sharp and unwelcome, pierced her thoughts.

Her mind went back to when she was younger, her father would come home drunk after gambling all day. He didn't hesitate to lock her up in the closet if she ever made a sound while he rested. 

Those long hours in the dark, squeezed between old coats and musty boots, had left her with a deep fear of confined spaces. Yet here she was again, locked away, but this time in a