My body jolts and shudders as my eyes blink rapidly at the sudden tidal wave of light. I can hear the jingle of the keys and grasp the bars, pulling myself up. I see you, but only your eyes. Not knowing your intent and naturally assuming the worst, I back-peddle to the rear of the cage, clutching my stomach as the cage sways from the new distribution of weight. My heart is hammering so hard in my chest it feels like it’ll soon rip right through. I feel trapped... a wild animal facing an unknown prey. Terrified, eyes darting here and there... looking for an escape... a way out... to safety... to home.

Yet i am also strangely curious... why me? Why here? Who are you? What do you want! The inner questions screaming and the silence as answers don’t come are enough to make my blood boil and flesh freeze until my entire body is covered with sweat and goosebumps. My eyes are no longer sleepy, but wide, calculating and somewhat panicked. My stomach constantly swirling, churning and flip-flopping and I feel my eyes roll, as if about to faint as I hear you unlock the door to my caged world.

In my feigned calmness and utter inner panick, I shrink down to my knees and cover my head with my hands, no wanting to see the end coming... not realizing this is just the beginning...