32 Save Me (1/2)

[There was a pause in the conversation. His lips twitched as he tried to search for words.

”You don't have to sound that ominous, you know?” he muttered, seemingly scared but still not believing the teenager in front of him. In his defense, I didn't look like much with my current state and I could imagine he would take me for someone younger.

”Don't look down on me. This is not like a teenager getting into a fight with their boyfriend hell. It is real. You either do what you have to survive, or she kills you,” I discreetly glance towards the way she went, sure she would lurk to see how the 'date' was going.

”I just...” he was baffled. ”How long have you been here?” he asked, not knowing where to go with the conversation. I tried to manage a reply but curiosity got better of me.

”How long have you been here?” I asked, unwisely.

'Never get close to those that come in; it only ends in heartbreak and betrayal.'

”In my calculations… about 2 days. I know from the meals.” I glanced at his hands, which looked raw and battered by the tightening rope.

”I don't think I am allowed to untie you,” I told him softly. ”You would have a better chance of survival if I could,” I gave him a small smile.

”Do you think so?” he gasped, nervous excitement visibly coursing through him.

”What was the date outside when you came?” He thought for a bit before answering.

”Seven months,” I mumbled under my breath but he had heard it. His voice rose in horror. His eyes reddened as he tried to force down his tears.

”Don't worry,” I assured him. My voice had no trace of it, though. It sounded cold and dead. ”This is unusual for her. She doesn't keep people around for long.” That seemed to bother him more, unsurprisingly.

”Then I die?” he whispered, tears finally rolling down his cheeks.

”No. I think it's my time to die,” I said. I could sense my conviction. I was sure that this elaborate presentation was part of a farewell for me. She had kept me long enough and was bored with me now that she had broken me. I was no fun.

”Don't look so horrified. I was prepared to go long back. I don't know what kept her interested.” I shrugged. ”I don't think my body can take it anymore. My heart is about to stop even if she doesn't finish me off.”

”Why think so negatively?” he asked anxiously. I laughed. It was genuine like I had heard a funny joke.

”It happens when you have lived as long as me,” I teased. He quirked a brow at me in question.

”You must say that I have more experience in this life than you do.”

For a moment, the banter with this older man had made me forget where I was… not really, but it was a welcome relief. If we had met under any other circumstances, I would have passed by him without a single glance, but the universe was a curious thing. We had managed to meet each other in the worst of place days before our death.

One could say that we could hear our death knell ring.