As my eyes readjusted to the reduced light I crept forward suspiciously. There was barley enough light for me to see the dishes that were left for me and I became aware of an unpleasant chemical taste in my mouth along with intense hunger as the scent of the food in the dish filled my senses. God when was the last time I ate, I have no idea how long I have been here.

I fight my rising panic and along with an urge to scream for help. I have to think, if I am going to get out of this alive I need all my wits. I dragged the water bowl and food bowl towards me but because they were connected I have no choice but to drink from the bowl like a dog. I am so afraid of the dark and it does not make my panic any easier to handle. All I can see is the little bit in front of me and I have no idea what is around me at all.

I have to keep my thoughts focused but I can feel myself beginning to cry again. I try to force the bits of food down my throat but even thought I am so hungry, I am too terrified to eat.

Maybe I can use the fork as a weapon and get by him somehow when he comes back, but even as I think that I become aware that I am naked and freezing. God I don’t know what to do. My fear grows as I try to stand only to almost fall over again. Why am I so weak?

I can hear a slight noise in the corner and now all I can imagine is something slithering over the floor and into the cage. I start to cry harder. I am so afraid if I start to scream I might not stop. I try to sing to myself, anything just to keep the thought away of what is in the dark around me. Suddenly I can hear the sounds of footsteps coming. I scramble to the far side of the cage again and shove the fork underneath myself to try to hide it. Maybe he won’t realize it is missing.